Abstract: A fuel element bundle cutter that has horizontal rod bundle feed. A portion f the radioactive dust that is produced when a rod bundle is cut is picked up by scavenging air and is withdrawn with the latter via the chute for the cut-off rod pieces. The bottom of the lower part of the cutter housing, between the housing wall that faces the rod bundle feed and the side walls of the housing, is embodied as a grating, on the bottom side of which is disposed a base plate to which is connected a withdrawal mechanism that includes at least one collecting funnel and withdrawal channel for the remainder of the radioactive dust, which is conveyed by a portion of the scavenging air from the cutter housing. Each withdrawal channel communicates with the chute for the cut-off rod pieces.

Abstract: A cutter for cutting, in stages, irradiated bundles of nuclear fuel rods, pecially from pressurized-water or boiling-water reactors. The cutter includes a feed channel associated with transverse and longitudinal feed devices for the rod bundle. A cutter housing is arranged at the mouth of the channel. A cutter carriage can be moved at right angles to the feed channel and is provided with a cutter blade; a fixed counter-blade cooperates with this cutter blade; a rod bundle clamping mechanism is located ahead of the cutting plane and is provided with two alternately actuatable clamping jaws. The cutter carriages, the cutting blade, the counter-blade, and the two clamping jaws can be removed and replaced. The transporting, clamping, and cutting devices are respectively provided with their own drive unit.