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 A portion f the radioactive dust that is produced when a rod bundle is cut is picked up by scavenging air and is withdrawn with the latter via the chute for the cut-off rod pieces.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: Horizontal fuel element bundle shears have a stepped blade and a horizontal agazine for accommodating an undismantled uclear reactor fuel element which is to be cut up. In the fuel element bundle shears, the nuclear reactor fuel element, for the cutting operation to be performed, is pushed with a stepwise movement through a magazine opening in front of which the stepped blade is displaceable in a direction perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the fuel element. Each portion of the stepped blade has a cutting edge. In order to achieve a lower rate of wear of the stepped blade while at the same time obtaining a good cut and a low cutting force, the stepped blade has two cutting edges which are separated from each other by a step, thereby forming two blade portions which are in superposed relationship with each other.