Abstract: The tool comprises a head (1) for gripping the cluster (2), connected to a handling member (3) slidable in a tool body (4) between an active position in which the head (1) and at least part of the member (3) project from the body (4), and a retracted position in which the head (1), the handling member (3) and at least part of the cluster (2) extend within the body, and combs (5 to 10) for guiding the rods, at an end of the body (4) and displaceable between a retracted position in which they extend along the body (4), and an active position in which they extend perpendicularly to the body, in order to guide the rods. The tool also comprises springs (13) for stressing the combs into the active position and a sleeve (15) for retracting the combs, displaceable between retraction and release positions of the combs, by the head (1) and/or the handling member (3) during their displacement between their active and retracted positions within the body (4).

Abstract: A vertical cell is provided for receiving a nuclear fuel assembly having a bundle of fuel rods retained at the nodes of a regular lattice and a skeleton formed of two end pieces connected together by tie rods and grids spaced apart along the tie rods. The structure of the cell has a cross-section corresponding to that of the assembly to be received and carries mechanisms for retaining the grids and the lower end piece, and a comb mechanism for holding the rods at their nominal spacing. The comb mechanism comprises at least two sets of combs carried by a frame fixed to the structure. The combs of each set are guided on the frame, and jacks move them towards and away from each other in a direction transversal to the movement of the combs of the other set.

Abstract: A device for compacting a nuclear fuel assembly structure comprises a vertical compacting chamber having a cross-section matching that of the structure, structure guiding means and a jack for longitudinally compressing the structure against a movable member closing one end of the chamber. The compacting chamber is of sufficient length for receiving a non-fractionated structure and is provided, at the end opposite the compacting jack, with a unit movable transversely to the chamber between a position making possible the introduction of a structure and a position in which a reception box equipped with an ejection jack and forming the removable member is aligned with the compacting chamber.

Abstract: An apparatus for consolidating the nuclear fuel elements originally arranged in a square pattern into a truss of tightly packed elements comprises a vertical quiver of pyramidal shape having lateral surfaces converging downwardly and a rectangular cross-section. Two opposite faces of the quiver are formed with projections of downwardly increasing amplitude for rearranging the elements in a triangular pattern when they are lowered into the quiver. Dividing walls perpendicular to those faces which are provided with projections separate and guide rows of elements at the top part of the quiver. A grid at the top of the quiver comprises compartments for introducing elements and consists of several fractions which may be moved apart from each other and brought together along a direction parallel to the dividing wall.