Cell flow diverter and flow diverter/vortex generator assembly for BWR spacers

摘要

A flow diverter (26) is provided for attachment to a spacer cell (24) above a part-length fuel rod. The flow diverter includes a tubular base having a plurality of laterally projecting tabs (32) extending in an upstream direction for diverting flow from between the spacer cells into the volume above the spacer void of a fuel rod. A vortex generator (28) is secured to or forms an integral part with the flow diverter for swirling the flow onto and into the interstices of laterally adjacent fuel rods. The flow diverter and vortex generator are formed of tubular stock. The vanes (60) of the vortex generator are formed by providing slits along the tubular stock and twisting alternating edges of the stock inwardly to form the vanes.