Method and device for automatically sorting nuclear fuel pellets.

摘要

The automatic sorting device makes it possible to distribute nuclear fuel pellets into correct, acceptable and rejected pellets. It comprises: a pellet presentation station, intended simultaneously to move n rows of pellets along parallel paths until the n end pellets are at longitudinally offset pick-up locations; an entry and orientation barrel (22) fitted with means for simultaneously gripping the n end pellets and turning them in order to bring them into alignment, this barrel being rotatable about an axis between a position in which the gripping means are at the pick-up locations and a position in which they are at a transfer station; a control barrel (24) fitted with means for receiving n pellets at a time and capable of rotating between a position in which the reception means are at the transfer location, a position located at a control station, and an exit position; an optical unit for simultaneous examination of the n pellets placed at the control station; and an assembly for individual pick-up and distribution into batches of the pellets.