| 摘要 |
<p>Both an apparatus and a method for removing fuel rods from spent fuel assemblies is disclosed herein. The apparatus of the invention includes a locking plate having a plurality of tapered holes registrable with the rods of a fuel rod assembly, a plurality of tapered collets, each of which includes a hollow portion for receivirg the ends of the fuel rods, and a plurality of hydraulically operated plungers for upwardly withdrawing each of the tapered collets into its respective tapered hole in the locking plate, thereby contracting the hollow portion of the collet around its respective rod in gripping engagement. The locking plate is slowly moved down to the same degree as, and simultaneously with the plungers being withdrawn upwards. The use of hydraulic plungers causes each of the collets to apply substantially the same gripping force onto its respective fuel rod regardless of the rod diameter. Additionally, the apparatus includes a means for confirming whether each of the collets has grippingly engaged its respective rod.</p> |
