System and method for consolidating used nuclear fuel

DWPI Title: System for consolidating used nuclear fuel, comprises a structure securable in a recess for supporting a fuel assembly containing used nuclear fuel rods, where the fuel assembly has a top nozzle assembly and top nozzle assembly removal tool
Abstract: A system and method for consolidating used nuclear fuel rods using tools operably suspendable in a recess containing the used nuclear fuel rods. The systems and methods safely consolidate the used nuclear fuel rods in containers.
Use: System for consolidating used nuclear fuel.
Advantage: Disengages from the fuel rods without the need for adjustment of the gripping force of the grippers.
Novelty: The system comprises a structure (12) securable in a recess for supporting a fuel assembly (16) containing used nuclear fuel rods (18), where the fuel assembly has a top nozzle assembly (20), an elongated top nozzle assembly removal tool operably suspendable from a drive source for removing the top nozzle assembly from the fuel assembly. Ends of the used nuclear fuel rods facing the drive source are exposed. The top nozzle assembly removal tool has multiple sleeve extractors for extracting corresponding retaining sleeves in the fuel assembly. An elongated tube cutter tool has multiple cutters operably suspendable from the drive source for cutting.
Filed: 1/16/2018
Application Number: US15872439A
Tech ID: SD 14352.0
This invention was made with Government support under Contract No. DE-NA0003525 awarded by the United States Department of Energy/National Nuclear Security Administration. The Government has certain rights in the invention.
Data from Derwent World Patents Index, provided by Clarivate
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