APPARATUS FOR & METHOD OF LOADING FUEL RODS INTO GRIDS OF FUEL ASSEMBLY

摘要

An arrangement for facilitating the loading of fuel rods (34) into a fuel assembly (20) having a plurality of fuel rods (34) and at least one grid (32) formed of interleaved straps (84) having springs (88) for engaging and supporting said fuel rods (34) wherein first means (108) are insertable into said grid (32) for moving said springs (88) to retracted positions and second means (114) are insertable concurrently into said grid (32), prior to withdrawal of said first means (108) for holding said springs (88) in their retracted positions to facilitate insertion of the fuel rods into the assembly.