Abstract: An annulus spacer for a fuel channel assembly of a nuclear reactor, and method of manufacturing an annulus spacer. The fuel channel assembly includes a calandria tube and a pressure tube positioned at least partially within the calandria tube. The annulus spacer includes a garter spring configured to surround a portion of the pressure tube to maintain a gap between the calandria tube and the pressure tube. A girdle wire is positioned substantially within the garter spring and configured to form a loop around the pressure tube. The girdle wire includes a first segment and a second segment that overlaps the first segment to form an overlap, the overlap extending between approximately 45 degrees and approximately 135 degrees to reduce the possibility of girdle wire twisting.

Abstract: An annulus spacer for a fuel channel assembly of a nuclear reactor, and method of manufacturing an annulus spacer. The fuel channel assembly includes a calandria tube and a pressure tube positioned at least partially within the calandria tube. The annulus spacer includes a garter spring configured to surround a portion of the pressure tube to maintain a gap between the calandria tube and the pressure tube. A girdle wire is positioned substantially within the garter spring and configured to form a loop around the pressure tube. The girdle wire includes a first segment and a second segment that overlaps the first segment to form an overlap, the overlap extending between approximately 45 degrees and approximately 135 degrees to reduce the possibility of girdle wire twisting.

Abstract: An annulus spacer for a fuel channel assembly of a nuclear reactor. The fuel channel assembly includes a calandria tube and a pressure tube positioned at least partially within the calandria tube. The annulus spacer includes a garter spring configured to surround a portion of the pressure tube to maintain a gap between the calandria tube and the pressure tube. The garter spring includes a first end and a second end. The annulus spacer also includes a connector coupled to the first end and the second end of the garter spring. The connector allows movement of the annulus spacer when the pressure tube moves relative to the calandria tube during thermal cycles of the fuel channel assembly. The annulus spacer further includes a girdle wire positioned substantially within the garter spring and configured to form a loop around the pressure tube.