Method and device for automatically sorting nuclear-fuel pellets

摘要

The automatic sorting device allows nuclear-fuel pellets to be distributed into correct, acceptable or scrapped pellets. It comprises: a station for presenting pellets, which is intended to move n strings of pellets simultaneously along parallel paths until the n terminal pellets are at longitudinally offset taking locations an input and orientation turret fitted with grippers for simultaneously seizing the n terminal pellets and making them rotate in order to align them, this turret being rotary about an axis between a position in which the grippers are at the taking locations and a position in which they are at a transfer station; an inspection turret fitted with a station for receiving n pellets at the same time, this being rotary between a position in which the station is at the transfer location, a position located at an inspection station, and an output position; a unit for simultaneous optical examination of the n pellets placed at the inspection station; and an assembly for individually taking and distributing the pellets in batches.