APPARATUS FOR HANDLING NUCLEAR FUEL RODS

摘要

Apparatus for handling nuclear fuel rods, which include a mixed oxide fuel material, and for constructing fuel assemblies from the fuel rods includes a store (9) constructed from radiation shielding material. The store includes a number of channels (10), each of which is adapted to receive a magazine (2) containing fuel rods. Removal and insertion of magazines from and into the channels is effected by a handling machine (29) which is remotely and automatically operated. Each of the channels is closed by a plug (11) which can be removed and inserted by the handling machine. The handling machine is able to remove a magazine from a selected channel and to deliver the magazine to either of two fuel assembly lines (16, 21). Each assembly line constructs a different type of fuel assembly from that of the other assembly line, and each assembly line is arranged in a separate shielded enclosure (15, 24).