Abstract: Apparatus for removing irradiated clips from an irradiated fuel assembly comprises a remotely operated tool including hydraulic or pneumatic jaws operable for withdrawing a clip from fuel rods, while supporting the portions of the fuel rods both above and below the clip to avoid damaging the rods during removal of a clip, and further including a support tube held captive in a carriage mechanism for moving the tool into positions for either clip removal, or for ejection of a removed clip from the tool into a clip disposal basket.

Abstract: Method intended to form a more or less compact bundle of flexible and oblong objects of reduced cross-section dimensions, such as fuel rods of a nuclear reactor, said objects forming, prior to compacting, an assembly wherein they occupy transversally spaced, parallel positions. According to the invention, this method is characterized in that there is arranged, in a generally vertical direction, a plurality of guiding tubes (2) of which the upper ends (2a) are arranged according to the initial disposition of said object assembly, and of which the lower ends (2b) are arranged according to the desired disposition, the dimension of said guiding tubes (2) being such that in each of them one of said objects may slide by means of gravity, and in that said assembly of objects is brought vertically on top of the plurality of guiding tubes, whereafter each object is introduced by its lower end in the upper end of one of said guiding tubes (2), allowing the assembly of said objects to slide downwardly.

Abstract: A cutter guide fixture for use in removing a top nozzle from the guide thimbles of a fuel assembly includes upper and lower plates coupled to one another for movement of the upper plate relative to the lower plate between upper and lower positions. The plates include aligned pairs of holes within which are mounted a plurality of cutters such that the cutting elements of the cutters are disposed in a common cutting plane. A pair of expansion locking pins are provided at a pair of diagonal corners of the lower plate for releasably attaching the fixture to the top nozzle and positioning the cutters in general alignment with a plurality of passageways defined in the adapter plate of the top nozzle and with a plurality of hollow upper end portions of the guide thimbles inserted and attached in the passageways.

Abstract: A shipping and transport cask for spent nuclear fuel elements. The cask includes a cylindrical cask body having an outer shell and a concentric inner tube. Four quadrant baskets are mounted within the inner tube. Each quadrant basket includes radial and peripheral walls of high thermal conductivity material. A plurality of fuel element-receiving modules and an inner quadrant heat conducting member are mounted within the quadrant baskets. The peripheral walls of the quadrant baskets are held firmly against the inner wall of the body by shims inserted between the radial walls of adjacent quadrant baskets. During assembly, the quadrant baskets are initially forced outwardly against the inner wall by means of expandable spreaders. The cask also includes removable trunnions and primary and secondary external fluid chambers filled with a neutron-attenuating fluid.

Abstract: A fixture for removing a top nozzle of a reconstitutable fuel assembly held in a fixed position within a work station includes a pair of guide openings in two diagonally opposed corners of its base to movably mount the base on a pair of upstanding guide members of the work station and on the top nozzle in alignment therewith. Also, the fixture includes a pair of hollow expandable split sleeves with wedge pins inserted therein which are operable to lock the fixture to the top nozzle. An arrangement of drive and driven gears connected with a plurality of reaction pins mounted on the base of the fixture are operable to move the fixture base with the top nozzle thereto away from the guide thimbles of the fuel assembly and thereby cause the top nozzle adapter plate to release its connection with the guide thimbles.

Abstract: An insert for providing a reduced inside diameter for a structural tube, specifically an instrumentation guide tube, of a nuclear fuel assembly. The insert has forming lobes which coact with the structural tube to plastically deform the structural tube and mechanically lock it with respect to grid straps of a grid assembly. The insert also has centering lobes to prevent it from being expanded in other than a coaxial alignment with the structural tube. An expansion tool is provided for sequentially registering with and expanding sequential forming lobes in a simplified manner whereby all of the operations necessary to assemble the structural tube in the fuel assembly can be easily and accurately performed.

Abstract: An apparatus for applying an end plug to a nuclear fuel rod tube end includes a stationary base, a support carriage and a track assembly mounting the support carriage on the base for reciprocal movement relative to the base. The carriage is movable along a generally linear path between extreme positions located remote from and adjacent to the stationarily-positioned tube end to which the end plug is to be applied. The apparatus also includes a plugger guide supported on the carriage for movement therewith. The plugger guide has an elongated central bore with one end for receiving the end plug and an opposite end for receiving the tube end. An end plug supply magazine, mounted on the carriage and which in turn mounts the plugger guide, delivers the end plug into alignment with the one end of the plugger guide's central bore.

Abstract: A system for consolidating spent fuel rods from spent fuel assemblies includes an operator and control station, a fuel rod transfer tool with a gripper assembly, indexing devices, and a fuel consolidation station. The fuel rod transfer tool and gripper assembly grips a fuel rod and withdraws it from a fuel bundle until it is clear of the bundle. The tool, with the fuel rod drawn up inside it, is moved to another location where it is desired to place the fuel rod; the tool inserts the rod, and the gripper releases it. The fuel consolidation station has a frame that holds two fuel assemblies and a consolidation container. The bottom of the frame rests on the floor of the fuel pool. The top of the frame supports the indexing devices. An indexing device is provided for each of the fuel assemblies and the consolidation container.

Abstract: A grid structure (42) is mounted within the upper portion (24) of a tapered canister (24), for receiving a relatively loosely packed rectangular array of rods (22) and rearranging the rods into a relatively tightly packed rectangular array at the lower end of the grid. The grid structure comprises a multiplicity of flat, vertically oriented trapezoidal segments (78, 80) interconnected to form a plurality of vertically overlapping grid layers (74, 76). The layers alternate between a row orientation and a column orientation, and thus form a substantially continuous honeycomb of longitudinal cells (64) for guiding individual rods. The cross-sectional area of each cell decreases from the uppermost layer (74a) to the lowermost layer (74i) such that the rods are funneled by the cells to form the tightly packed array.

Abstract: Apparatus for the replacement of the guide pins of a guide tube of a pressurized water reactor. The apparatus consists of a rod with clamping means at each end which clamps the guide tube and holds the tube while the bolts connections are removed and then imparts a slight vertical movement to release the guide pins of the guide tube.

Abstract: A tool for the manufacture of a fuel assembly, said tool comprising for each end of an assembly an inner metal plate which can be applied to the bottom of an end member, an outer metal plate which can be displaced, under the action of a jack, along sliding columns fixed to the inner plate, in longitudinal translation with respect thereto and threaded ties traversing corresponding openings in the end member and in the inner and outer plates, able to engage with the internal thread of the guide tubes, and each provided with a head on which is supported a spring for compensating the action of the jack. A method for utilizing the tool is set forth, also.

Abstract: To limit the exposure of personnel to radioactivity within the channel head of a steam generator of a nuclear-reactor plant a cartridge sleeve-blank loader for automatically sleeving a plurality of tubes without the intervention of personnel is provided. The cartridge loader includes a turret or drum which carries a plurality of sleeve blanks around its periphery. A lifter engages the bottom of each sleeve bank in its turn at a sleeve insertion position of the turret and inserts the sleeve blank into a tube. Successive sleeve blanks are indexed to the insertion position for insertion into tubes. The sleeve blanks are slightly bowed or curved so that when a sleeve blank is inserted as a sleeve into a tube, the sleeve, since the tube is linear, exerts a restoring force on the wall of a tube which holds the sleeve in the tube when the lifter is retracted. In inserting the sleeve blank, the lifter moves at a low speed until the leading end of the sleeve enters a tube. Then the speed of insertion is increased.

Abstract: Both an apparatus and a process for removing fuel rods from spent fuel assemblies is disclosed herein. The apparatus of the invention includes a locking plate having a plurality of tapered holes registrable with the rods of a fuel rod assembly, a plurality of tapered collets, each of which includes a hollow portion for receiving the ends of the fuel rods, and a plurality of hydraulically operated plungers for withdrawing each of the tapered collets into its respective tapered hole in the locking plate, thereby contracting the hollow portion of the collet around its respective rod in gripping engagement. The use of hydraulic plungers causes each of the collets to apply substantially the same gripping force onto its respective fuel rod. Additionally, the apparatus includes a means for confirming whether each of the collets has grippingly engaged its respective rod.

Abstract: The improved fuel assembly has a plurality of elongated corner posts extending longitudinally between and releasably and rigidly interconnecting top and bottom nozzles so as to form a rigid structural skeleton of the fuel assembly. Additionally, a plurality of transverse grids are supported at axially spaced locations along the corner posts and a plurality of fuel rods are supported by the grids. Certain groups of the fuel rods are spaced apart laterally from one another by a greater distance than the rest of the fuel rods so as to define a number of elongated channels extending between the top and bottom nozzles. A cluster assembly having a cluster plate with a plurality of elongated rods is adapted to be removably supported on the top nozzle with its rods extending through the channels. The rods can be a plurality of guide thimbles in the case of one cluster assembly, or a plurality of oversized fuel rods in the case of another cluster assembly.

Abstract: A method and an apparatus for loading containers with individual fuel rods r fuel-rod sections of irradiated nuclear reactor fuel elements are disclosed. In order to ensure maximum safety, cleanliness and close packing when loading the containers, the fuel rods or fuel-rod sections are horizontally front-loaded into the container which is horizontally positioned. The loading aperture is located as closely as possible to the upper inner periphery of the container. Following their insertion, the fuel rods or fuel-rod sections will drop onto the inner wall surface of the container or onto the already existing pile of previously loaded fuel rods or fuel-rod sections. The container for loading with such a method has a loading aperture in the end wall thereof arranged close to the inner periphery thereof for insertion of the fuel rods or fuel-rod sections.

Abstract: An apparatus is provided for the automatic assembly of nuclear fuel rod bundles in a predetermined coordinate array. Each fuel rod is identified during its travel and positioned according to an identifying code carried on its lower end plug which designates the fuel enrichment and additive level of the rod.

Abstract: An underwater compressing and cutting apparatus for activated or contaminated components of the core of a nuclear reactor by means of which even components of different geometry and different properties can be compressed to reduce their bulk and cut. The apparatus comprises a frame and slidable sleds, one sled having a squeezing jaw and the other sled having a chopping knife which are operated by unidirectional hydraulic cylinders.

Abstract: A device for gripping and detaching a top nozzle subassembly from the upper end portions of the guide thimbles in a reconstitutable fuel assembly includes a central spider assembly disposable in overlying relation to an upper hold-down plate of the top nozzle subassembly, locating lugs arranged for insertion into coolant flow openings in the hold-down plate, collars interconnected to the spider and being disposed on the locating lugs and bearing on the hold-down plate when the locating lugs are inserted in the flow openings, and elongated studs received through and rotatable within respective central bores defined in the locating lugs. Upon rotation of the studs in one direction, compression of the hold-down springs disposed between the plates relieves the tension on the guide thimble upper end portions whereby the upper end portions are thereby prepared to be severed at locations immediately below the upper limit.

Abstract: A device for unfastening and lifting a top nozzle subassembly from the guide thimbles of a reconstitutable fuel assembly includes hollow gripper tubes having open lower ends, spaced yokes mounting the gripper tubes, pull rods disposed in the gripper tubes, end plugs attached to lower ends of the pull rods and disposed at the open lower ends of the gripper tubes, stop plugs stationarily disposed in the gripper tubes spaced above their open lower ends, elastomer blocks disposed in the gripper tubes between the end and stop plugs, and inner tubes disposed within the gripper tubes about the elastomer blocks. Lower end portions of the gripper tubes are capable of insertion into sleeves of the top nozzle subassembly to positions therein located adjacent to threaded lower ends of the sleeves.

Abstract: Device for inserting hair pin springs with two legs astride a plate having windows for locally welding the legs against one another. It comprises movable modules which receive one plate at a time in the vertical position and move it in the lengthwise direction for bringing it into successive positions each corresponding to the arrival of one of the spring reception zones in an insertion position where centering means temporarily hold the plate in said successive positions. A vibrating rail guides the springs to a take up position where a gripper takes each spring in turn by the end of one of its legs, then moves in a plane perpendicular to the plate along a path for introducing the other leg of the spring in the plate.

Abstract: Apparatus for processing the damaged tubes of a steam generator either to prepare the tubes for insertion of a sleeve, or to insert a sleeve or to treat the sleeve after it is inserted. This apparatus includes a drilling tool for drilling out plugs, a sleeving tool for inserting sleeves in the tubes, a high-roller tool for rolling the sleeves at their upper ends where they have been expanded, and a low-roller tool for rolling the sleeves at their lower ends in the tube sheet. The sleeves are inserted in the tubes and are rolled by rolls driven by a hydraulic motor. For drilling, for sleeve insertion and for high and low rolling, the motor is controlled by a servo control valve.

Abstract: A tool for removing a locking tube from a locking position in the upper end portion of a guide thimble inserted within a passageway in a removable top nozzle of a reconstitutable fuel assembly includes an inner tubular member attached at its upper end to a bail assembly and at its lower end to a tubular extension having an expandable and collapsable lower end. Also, an actuatable shaft assembly of the tool is mounted for axial movement within the inner tubular member and lower tubular extension and has a conical nose disposed on its lower end which extends beyond a rim formed on the lower end of the tubular extension and an actuating knob coupled to its upper end. Rotation of the knob in one direction causes insertion of the conical nose into the lower end of the tubular extension and thereby increase in the circumference of the rim such that it will engage a lower edge of the locking tube when the tool is forced in an upward direction.

Abstract: A fuel rod-loading fixture for expediting the loading of fuel rods in an empty skeleton of a fuel rod assembly is disclosed herein. The fuel rod-loading fixture generally comprises a square array of non-radioactive "dummy" rods which are all connected at their top ends to a top guide plate. When the rods of the fixture are lowered through the rod-receiving apertures of the grids in the fuel assembly skeleton, they effectively obstruct every other set of mutually aligned, rod-receiving apertures in the grids of the skeleton. The top guide plate includes a plurality of apertures which will automatically register with the remaining sets of mutually aligned apertures in the grids, in order that fuel rods may be inserted through the top guide plate and into the remaining sets of apertures in the grids.

Abstract: A fixture for removing locking tubes from locking positions in a top nozzle includes a tool guide and a tool holder mounted above the tool guide for movement toward and away from the guide. Further, the fixture includes locking member removal tools each in the form of an outer elongated tubular member and an inner elongated actuating shaft. The tubular member is attached to the tool guide in alignment with one of its openings, while the actuating shaft is mounted to the tool holder and extends through the tubular member. When the tool guide is disposed on the top nozzle, both the tubular member and actuating shaft of each removal tool extend downwardly through one locking tube. The lower portion of the tubular member is in the form of a segmented sleeve having a lower segmented rim which is movable between circumferentially-collapsed and expanded positions. The actuating shaft of each tool has an upper cylindrical portion with an outside diameter larger than the inside diameter of the locking tube.

Abstract: A fixture for inserting locking tubes into locking positions in a top nozzle includes a tool guide with operable devices for locking the guide to the top nozzle such that openings in the guide are aligned above passageways in the adapter plate of the top nozzle. Resiliently deformable sleeves are disposed in the respective guide openings for retaining locking tubes stationarily therein. Each sleeve includes a lower internal ledge which a bottom edge of the locking tube disposed therein rests and an inside diameter smaller than the outside diameter of the locking tube such that the tube is mounted in a stationary position within the sleeve and an interference fit is maintained between the sleeve and the tube. Further, the fixture includes a tool holder mounting tube insertion tools each in the form of an elongated cylindrical plunger rod having a lower cylindrical portion of smaller diameter than an upper cylindrical portion such that a bottom shoulder is formed on the upper portion.

Abstract: An apparatus for preassembling the components of a top nozzle into a completed subassembly for later mounting on the skeleton of a fuel assembly includes a base having a plurality of bores with spring-loaded pistons disposed in the bores for yieldably supporting extension tubes of the top nozzle. The tubes can vertically move in the bores so that all of the lower retainers on the tubes will be brought into contact with a lower surface of a lower adapter plate for uniformily supporting the plate on the tubes. Also, the apparatus includes a plurality of locating pins insertable through passageways in an upper bearing plate of the top nozzle and into the upper ends of the extension tubes for aligning and guiding the extension tube upper ends into the passageways upon movement of the bearing plate against the bias of a plurality of coil springs which surround the tubes and extend between the lower adapter and upper bearing plates.

Abstract: An interactive system (10) for facilitating assembly of fuel rods into nuclear fuel assemblies having specific grid location requirements for the fuel rods, includes an operator work station (12) adapted for positioning between a supply of fuel rods and a fuel assembly loading magazine (22). Identifying data with each fuel rod is read by the operator with a manual scanner (24) for input and comparison by a computer (28) with the stored data for the particular fuel assembly to be assembled. The proper grid location for the fuel rod is then displayed on a screen (32) prompting the operator to insert the rod through a prompter/detector apparatus (36) mounted on one end of the magazine. In the preferred embodiment, the apparatus (36) includes a pair of motorized, slotted guide bars (54, 56) controlled by the computer (28) to intersect over the proper grid location for the particular fuel rod type.

Abstract: A tool for positioning a lower guide tube of a reactor for replacement of old split-pin assemblies by new split-pin assemblies. The lower guide tube has an upper and a lower flange and has a length typically between 124 and 150 inches. The split-pin assemblies are secured in counterbores in the lower flange. The tool includes an upper deck and a lower deck. The LGT is suspended from the upper deck from pins which engage holes in the upper flange. With the LGT so suspended the lower flange extends into the lower deck in position to be processed for the replacement. A rotary hydraulic cylinder is provided in the upper deck to rotate the LGT in positions to be processed by other tools involved in the replacement and also so that both of the old split-pin assemblies which are spaced 180.degree. around the periphery of the LGT may be replaced by a single set of robotic tools. A hydraulic lift cylinder is also provided at the upper level to raise the LGT so that it clears the pins when the LGT is to be rotated.

Abstract: A machine for dismantling, unloading and transferring to a disposal facility, nuclear reactor structure and/or components, which have been irradiated during operation of the reactor. The machine includes in one example a gantry mounted on a rigid, undismantled part of the reactor such as rails on the refuelling level of the reactor, a carriage angularly movable on the gantry, a platform movable linearly on the carriage, a mast on and axially movable relative to the platform, a manipulator mounted on the mast for angular and linear movement relative thereto, a variety of tools selectively mountable on the manipulator for effecting dismantling of reactor structure and/or components, and hoist means movable along a beam rotatable about the reactor center line and alignable with other beams to allow transfer of the hoist means from one beam to another. Alternative arrangements for varying the elevation of the mast are also disclosed.

Abstract: A tool for removing split pin remnants which remain in anchor bores in the upper core plate of a nuclear reactor vessel after removal of guide tube assemblies therefrom, includes an elongated mast having parallel tubular members with handle apparatus at the upper end thereof and carrying at the lower end thereof a ram platform having an upstanding pin removal member. The ram platform is dimensioned to be lowered through any one of the guide tube seating apertures in the upper core plate. A locating plate mounted on the mast above the ram platform seats in the seating aperture and accurately positions the ram platform below the upper core plate with the pin driving member in registry with the pin bore. A hydraulic cylinder is mounted on the mast above the locating plate and has a piston rod extending through the locating plate and fixedly secured to the ram platform for moving it up and down to drive the pin from the bore. Hydraulic fluid is carried to and from the cylinder through the mast tubes.

Abstract: An improved fluid mandrel having an eddy current probe connected thereto is disclosed herein. The eddy current probe generally comprises a probe body which is detachably connectable to the bottom of a fluid mandrel on one end, and a source of hydraulic fluid on the other end. The probe body includes a pair of sensing coils which are separated along the longitudinal axis of the body by a distance approximately equal to the thickness of the metallic structure desired to be detected. The improved mandrel finds particular application in performing expansions which eliminate the clearance between heat exchange tubes extending through the baffle plates in nuclear steam generators. In such an application, the sensing coils of the probe are longitudinally spaced the same distance as the thickness of the baffle plates in order to generate a sharp and unambiguous electronic signal indicative of the relative positions of the mandrel and the baffle plate.

Abstract: Sleeves inserted in the coolant conductors of a steam generator of a nuclear-reactor plant are rolled by remotely controlled apparatus minimizing the time which personnel must spend within the radioactive environment of the channel head of the steam generator. A sleeve is rolled by a tube provided with rolls which are normally retracted and which, during a rolling operation, are extended into rolling engagement with the sleeve by a rotating tapered mandrel. The mandrel advances into the tube rotating the rolls while progressively increasing the pressure between the rolls and the sleeve. The sleeve is rolled near its upper end and also at its lower end in its region which is within the tube sheet by upper and lower rolling tools. The tube carrying the rolls is moved into the sleeve by a remotely controlled drive. The drive is a low voltage motor for the upper tool and a hydraulically driven piston for the lower tool.

Abstract: The specification discloses a device (32) for raising peripheral fuel rods of a fuel assembly for inspection under submerged conditions in a nuclear reactor facility. The device (32) includes a frame comprising top and bottom plates (36, 38) interconnected by rods (40) with an intermediate plate (52) supported therein for vertical movement responsive to a cylinder (60). A yoke (64) is mounted for horizontal movement on the intermediate plate (52) responsive to another cylinder (66) to engage a fuel rod so that it can then be lifted by the first cylinder (60). Proper alignment relative to the peripheral rods of the fuel assembly is accomplished by means of pins (50) which are received in indexing holes (80) of a support plate (68) for the fuel assembly.

Abstract: A device for disassembling and reassembling a main steam isolation valve which is extended at an angle from a main steam pipe extended from a nuclear reactor. The disassembly and reassembly of the isolation valve which requires a high degree of accuracy can be accomplished quickly in a simple manner without the need of skilled workers. Thus, the time required for disassembling and reassembling the isolation valve can be shortened.

Abstract: The hollow tubular member or blank which is to serve as a sleeve for a corroded tube of the steam generator of a nuclear reactor plant and which is too long to be manipulated under the tube sheet of the reactor, is prebent into a shape such that it can be manipulated and is then progressively straightened under the tube sheet as it is progressively inserted into the tube. The straightener includes a plurality of grooved rolls mounted staggered and rotatable in a train. Each roll forms a channel engaging half of the periphery of the member. The contour of the engaging surface of each roll is the same as the contour of the member over half of its peripheral surface so that each roll mates with the member over half of its peripheral surface.

Abstract: A tool for the manufacture of a fuel assembly, said tool comprising for each end of an assembly an inner metal plate which can be applied to the bottom of an end member, an outer metal plate which can be displaced, under the action of a jack, along sliding columns fixed to the inner plate, in longitudinal translation with respect thereto and threaded ties traversing corresponding openings in the end member and in the inner and outer plates, able to engage with the internal thread of the guide tubes, and each provided with a head on which is supported a spring for compensating the action of the jack. A method for utilizing the tool is set forth, also.

Abstract: An automated loading system for nuclear reactor fuel elements utilizes a gravity feed conveyor which permits individual fuel pins to roll along a constrained path perpendicular to their respective lengths. The individual lengths of fuel cladding are directed onto movable transports, where they are aligned coaxially with the axes of associated handling equipment at appropriate production stations. Each fuel pin can be reciprocated axially and/or rotated about its axis as required during handling steps. The fuel pins are inserted as a batch prior to welding of end caps by one of two disclosed welding systems.

Abstract: A strap and vane positioning fixture is provided for aligning simultaneously the segments of straps forming a fuel rod grid. The fixture comprises a plate having a plurality of rods extending from it, in rows and columns, positioned for entry into cells of a grid. The rods at the periphery of the plate comprise a first set and have at their upper ends a spade with a single blade, the remaining rods comprising a second set and having at their upper ends a spade with a pair of blades. A method comprising engaging vanes extending from certain straps to align segments of each strap between the slots thereof, and holding the straps in the aligned position.

Abstract: Apparatus and means for assembling strips in grilles, comprising a carriage (24) displaceable vertically on a sub-frame, and a device (26) displaceable horizontally on the sub-frame parallel to the slots in the strips, and comprising a table equipped for receiving and centering a strip, and for enabling a frame forming an assembly jig to be retained in successive predetermined positions in which the slots in the strips carried by the frame face the path of the strip carried by the movable device.

Abstract: A method and apparatus are disclosed for carrying out repair, maintenance or testing of apparatus, components and the like in hot cells, more particularly hot cells of reprocessing plants for spent nuclear fuels. The position of damage zones is detected and ascertained with the use of coordinates. Replacement parts and tools are moved into the maintenance and work position in dependence upon the coordinate data, and the repair or maintenance work is automatically carried out under computer control, with remote operation and remote monitoring. For carrying out the work, computer-controlled handling machines and manipulators are used which are adapted to travel in controllable manner in the hot cell. The monitoring and detecting, using coordinates, of damage zones and defects may be carried out with the use of cameras and/or leak detectors.

Abstract: An apparatus for automating the operation of a plurality of stud tensioning devices. A central control unit outputs a sequence of control signals, each of the control signals indicating an operative step to be completed by the stud tensioning devices. The next control signal is not sent out until a signal is produced which indicates that each of the stud tensioning devices have completed the preceding operative step. When the automatic operation is not continued due to break-down and undue slow-down in the operation of one of the devices, the automatic operation is temporarily interrupted, and the manually-operated switch is activated to return the mode to the automatic operation. Alternately, the other normal devices are automatically operated and thereafter, the malfunctioning device may only be examined.

Abstract: The spent fuel consolidation system provides method and apparatus for remotely vertically and horizontally compacting an array of spent fuel rods while the fuel rods remain submerged in a coolant. The invention comprises a row ordering section for rearranging the configuration of the fuel rods, horizontal consolidation section for horizontally compacting several rows of fuel rods, and a vertical consolidation section for vertically compacting several rows of horizontally compacted fuel rods. The system is capable of compacting the fuel rods from a given fuel assembly to about one half of the volume originally occupied by such fuel rods in the fuel assembly thereby providing greater storage capacity for a given volume of spent fuel storage.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an installation for replacing a member in a contaminated fluid circuit. It also relates to a process for replacing this member.Installations for treating contaminated fluids, particularly radioactive fluids, comprise pipe systems in which the contaminated fluid flows. These systems or circuits have transfer, distribution, purification and cleaning members and the like, such as pumps, valves, filters, etc. These members are subject to wear, particularly when they have moving parts, and/or dirt or pollutants. It is therefore necessary to replace them by new members or overhaul them at intervals of varying length. Besides such replacements due to wear or pollution, it may be necessary to replace one member by another having different characteristics, e.g. one pump by another pump having different operating principles and/or flow rates.

Abstract: The identity of a cantilevered end effector support member and its angular position on the platform member of a carriage movable along an arm which is rotatable in a plane parallel to a steam generator tubesheet, are supplied to a tubesheet servicing machine control system in the form of a discrete pattern of electrical signals which is used to determine the offset required in aligning the end effector with a particular point on the tubesheet. The discrete pattern of electrical signals is generated by at least two sensor elements mounted on one of the members, preferably at different radial distances from the pivot axis of the support member. At least two trigger elements are mounted on the other member in such a pattern as to trigger selected sensor elements to produce the discrete pattern of signals.

Abstract: Apparatus for use in screwing a cover onto an annular bearing seat provided at the circumference of a circular orifice, the cover being provided with a circle of screws to be engaged in threaded bores in the bearing seat, comprises a screwing device comprising an arm pivotable about the axis of a pivot mounted on a support plate to be fixed to the cover, the arm extending perpendicular to the axis of the pivot which extends perpendicular to the plane of the bearing seat, a screwing head mounted on the end of the arm and carrying a screw key for engaging and rotating the screws, and which is movable axially between an operative position engaging a screw and an inoperative position clear of the screw and permitting the arm to rotate to bring the screw key into alignment with another screw, and drive means for rotating the arm, for rotating the screw key and for moving the screw key axially, a remote control console for controlling the drive means, and a television circuit for remote observation of operation of

Abstract: A method and apparatus for assembling together a rectangular outer tube, a rectangular inner tube and thin flat elongated panels having their side surfaces solidly abutted between the inner wall of the outer tube and the outer wall of the inner tube. The assembly is expanded by applying an internal pressure of at least a thousand psi into contact with a die cavity of rectangular cross-section. In order to minimize the required expansion of the tubes it is desirable that the inner tube conform as closely as possible to the space between the panels prior to expansion. In order to facilitate insertion of the panels, the inner tube is subjected to a controlled collapse in which its sidewalls are curved inwardly and its corners are displaced radially inwardly to provide additional clearance for insertion of the panels. After insertion of the panels the walls of the inner tube are formed outwardly to fit relatively closely within the space defined by the panels.

Abstract: An apparatus incorporating a microprocessor control is provided for automatically loading nuclear fuel pellets into fuel rods commonly used in nuclear reactor cores. The apparatus comprises a split "V" trough for assembling segments of fuel pellets in rows and a shuttle to receive the fuel pellets from the split "V" trough when the two sides of the split "V" trough are opened. The pellets are weighed while in the shuttle, and the shuttle then moves the pellets into alignment with a fuel rod. A guide bushing is provided to assist the transfer of the pellets into the fuel rod. A rod carousel which holds a plurality of fuel rods presents the proper rod to the guide bushing at the appropriate stage in the loading sequence. The bushing advances to engage the fuel rod, and the shuttle advances to engage the guide bushing. The pellets are then loaded into the fuel rod by a motor operated push rod.

Abstract: An improved grid sleeve bulge tool designed for securing control rod guide tubes to sleeves brazed in a fuel assembly grid. The tool includes a cylinder having an outer diameter less than the internal diameter of the control rod guide tubes. The walls of the cylinder are cut in an axial direction along its length to provide several flexible tines or ligaments. These tines are similar to a fork except they are spaced in a circumferential direction. The end of each alternate tine is equipped with a semispherical projection which extends radially outwardly from the tine surface. A ram or plunger of generally cylindrical configuration and about the same length as the cylinder is designed to fit in and move axially of the cylinder and thereby force the tined projections outwardly when the ram is pulled into the cylinder. The ram surface includes axially extending grooves and plane surfaces which are complimentary to the inner surfaces formed on the tines on the cylinder.

Abstract: An improved grid sleeve bulge tool designed for securing control rod guide tubes to sleeves brazed in a fuel assembly grid. The tool includes a cylinder having an outer diameter less than the internal diameter of the control rod guide tubes. The walls of the cylinder are cut in an axial direction along its length to provide several flexible tines or ligaments. The end of each alternate tine is equipped with a semispherical projection which extends radially outwardly from the tine surface. A ram or plunger of generally cylindrical configuration and about the same length as the cylinder is designed to fit in and move axially of the cylinder and thereby force the tined projections outwardly when the ram is pulled into the cylinder.

Abstract: An apparatus for assembling a fuel rod bundle having a number or elongated fuel rods arranged in parallel with each other and fixed by means of a plurality of spacers and lower and upper tie plates comprises a fuel rod supplying apparatus for feeding successive fuel rods in a longitudinal direction of the rods, said fuel rod supplying apparatus including means for carrying the rods in a direction perpendicular to the longitudinal direction to any one of a plurality of positions; a bundling apparatus including means for fixing or holding the spacers and the lower tie plate and means for rotating said fixing means by given angles; and a measuring apparatus including a circular pitch measuring mechanism and a layer space or pitch measuring mechanism for measuring circular and layer pitches of the assembled fuel rods in the bundling apparatus.