APPARECCHIATURA E METODO PER CARICARE BARRE DI COMBUSTIBILE IN GRIGLIE DI COMPLESSI DI COMBUSTIBILE NUCLEARE

摘要

The invention relates to apparatus and a method for facilitating a scratchless insertion of a fuel rod into cellular grids of a nuclear fuel assembly. The apparatus comprises a thin-walled tubular member having an inner diameter substantially corresponding to the outer diameter of a fuel rod, and having a longitudinal slit formed in its wall so as to render the latter resiliently deflectable in a diameter-reducing sense. The method comprises the steps of mounting the thin-walled tubular member in position for protectively enveloping the fuel rod during insertion thereof; inserting the fuel rod into the grids while the tubular member is in place to envelope it; and withdrawing the tubular member from the inserted fuel rod.