Fuel assembly structure selectively using channel and coolant rod for load support and method of lifting the fuel assembly

摘要

A latch pin assembly is configured to enable selective engagement with at least one of the fuel assembly channel (16) and the coolant rod (14) such that the fuel assembly channel (16) and the coolant rod (14) can be selectively utilized to support the fuel assembly load, thereby eliminating the need for fuel tie rods. The latch pin assembly includes a latch pin (38) selectively engageable with the fuel assembly channel (16) and the coolant rod (14), and an anchoring assembly cooperating with the latch pin (38), wherein the anchoring assembly anchors the latch pin (38) in a selected position such that the latch pin (38) engages at least one of the fuel assembly channel (16) and the coolant rod (14). The latch pin (38) may be alternatively engageable with the fuel assembly channel (16) and the coolant road (14) or simultaneously engageable with the fuel assembly channel (16) and the coolant rod (14). With this arrangement, the bail handle (33) can be used both to remove the entire assembly including the fuel assembly channel from the reactor vessel or to remove only the fuel bundle from the reactor vessel, leaving the fuel assembly channel in place. <IMAGE> <IMAGE>