FUEL CHANNEL SPACER SYSTEM AND METHOD

摘要

The present invention relates to a spacer for maintaining a distance between a pressure tube and a calandria tube in a nuclear reactor, and more specifically, to a spacer which is secured in position between the pressure tube and calandria tube. The axial position of the spacer is maintained by having a spacer with an outer profile that is in close fit or a slight interference fit with a locally expanded profile of the calandria tube. A spacer, a corresponding calandria tube, and a method for installing such a spacer are described.