Spacers for nuclear fuel assemblies
US9564249B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventor
Key dates
| Filing date | Mar 5, 2013 |
| Grant date | Feb 7, 2017 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Dec 31, 2035 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC Y)Emerging Cross-Sectional Technologies
- CPC primaryY02E30/30
- WIPO fieldEngines, pumps, turbines
- WIPO sectorMechanical engineering
Abstract
Fuel spacers include a perimeter piece and alignment strips extending within the perimeter piece. Alignment strips may have directional variation while still extending in an overall straight line between two contact points on the perimeter piece. Two alignment strips, by their relative positioning and shape, create distinct openings for fuel rods, through which rods may pass and be supported by the spacer on all sides. Alignment strips can be parallel or skew but need not physically intersect or extend at overall right angles to form such surrounding and supporting openings. Shape may be variable, such as a waveform, zig-zag, or saw-tooth. Several layers of alignment strips at any desired angle are useable in spacers, and alignment strips may be varied in length, shape, and number to account for different fuel assembly sizes and features, such as water rods.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.