END NOZZLE REMOVAL AND REPLACEMENT FIXTURE FOR USE WITH A RECONSTITUTABLE FUEL ASSEMBLY

摘要

The invention relates to a fixture for removing and replacing an end nozzle of a reconstitutable nuclear fuel assembly while the latter is held stationary in a work station. …The fixture (12) includes a movable base (68) adapted to be mounted upon the work station (52) and to be locked (split sleeves 92 and wedge pins 94) to the end nozzle (14). Supported on the base are means (reaction pins 140 and gear drive 142) operable to move the base, together with the end nozzle locked thereto, either in a nozzle-removing direction away from the work station or in a nozzle-replacing direction toward the work station. Reference means (spring-loaded movable pins 114 and pin locks 116) on the base are provided for use, prior to removal of an end nozzle, in establishing a reference for subsequent replacement of the nozzle at the same axial position relative to the fuel assembly as before removal.