Title: Device for facilitating the insertion and withdrawal of fuel assemblies from a nuclear reactor

Abstract: A device is provided which is installed in a reactor prior to carrying out refueling operations and which accurately locates and isolates a selected core location to permit rapid withdrawal and insertion of fuel subassemblies at that location. A shielded plug designed to cooperate with the refueling apparatus is inserted into an access port in the reactor head. A structural shroud extends down from the plug and carries at its lower end a radially floating, hexagonal spreader tube with mechanisms to rotate it for angular alignment purposes and a linear drive for inserting it into the core. The upper end of the spreader tube serves as a guide for leading the fuel handling apparatus into alignment with the chosen subassembly.

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Inventors: Andrea, Christo (Windsor Locks, CT, US)
Siegel, Edward Arnold (Bloomfield, CT, US)

Application Number: 430217
Filing Date: 1974-01-02
Publication_date: 1976-04-06
Assignee: Combustion Engineering, Inc. (Windsor, CT)
Primary Class(es): 376/271 414/146, 976/DIG257, 976/DIG259
Other Classes:
US Patent Ref:

3044947	Jul, 1962	Payne	176/30.
3073771	Jan, 1963	Moulin	176/32.
3600277	Aug, 1971	Germer	176/30.
3629062	Dec, 1971	Muenchow	176/31.
3768668	Oct, 1973	Schukei	214/18.

Other Refs:
Primary Examiner: Feinberg, Samuel
Assistant Examiner:
Attorney: Goettel, Jr.; Frederick A.