CA1244854A - Fuelling machine fine homing system - Google Patents
Fuelling machine fine homing systemInfo
- Publication number
- CA1244854A CA1244854A CA000485707A CA485707A CA1244854A CA 1244854 A CA1244854 A CA 1244854A CA 000485707 A CA000485707 A CA 000485707A CA 485707 A CA485707 A CA 485707A CA 1244854 A CA1244854 A CA 1244854A
- Authority
- CA
- Canada
- Prior art keywords
- end fitting
- machine
- refuelling
- fitting
- snout
- Prior art date
- Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
- Expired
Links
Classifications
-
- G—PHYSICS
- G21—NUCLEAR PHYSICS; NUCLEAR ENGINEERING
- G21C—NUCLEAR REACTORS
- G21C19/00—Arrangements for treating, for handling, or for facilitating the handling of, fuel or other materials which are used within the reactor, e.g. within its pressure vessel
- G21C19/14—Arrangements for treating, for handling, or for facilitating the handling of, fuel or other materials which are used within the reactor, e.g. within its pressure vessel characterised by their adaptation for use with horizontal channels in the reactor core
-
- Y—GENERAL TAGGING OF NEW TECHNOLOGICAL DEVELOPMENTS; GENERAL TAGGING OF CROSS-SECTIONAL TECHNOLOGIES SPANNING OVER SEVERAL SECTIONS OF THE IPC; TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER USPC CROSS-REFERENCE ART COLLECTIONS [XRACs] AND DIGESTS
- Y02—TECHNOLOGIES OR APPLICATIONS FOR MITIGATION OR ADAPTATION AGAINST CLIMATE CHANGE
- Y02E—REDUCTION OF GREENHOUSE GAS [GHG] EMISSIONS, RELATED TO ENERGY GENERATION, TRANSMISSION OR DISTRIBUTION
- Y02E30/00—Energy generation of nuclear origin
- Y02E30/30—Nuclear fission reactors
Landscapes
- Physics & Mathematics (AREA)
- Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
- Plasma & Fusion (AREA)
- General Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
- High Energy & Nuclear Physics (AREA)
- Monitoring And Testing Of Nuclear Reactors (AREA)
Abstract
Case 2867 FUELLING MACHINE FINE HOMING SYSTEM
ABSTRACT OF THE DISCLOSURE
A nuclear reactor on-load refuelling system provides individual access into fuel channels, each bounded by an end fitting, using a refuelling machine having a barrel, a snout extending forwardly of the machine having a plurality of magnetic proximity sensing means in mutual spaced relation therein for sensing the relative position of respective portions of an end fitting in entered relation within the snout and means for controlling the position and attitude of the refuelling machine in response to the outputs of the sensing means, to bring the refuelling machine into centred, homed relation with the subject fuel channel, whereby the end fitting may be attached to the machine in sealed relation therewith.
ABSTRACT OF THE DISCLOSURE
A nuclear reactor on-load refuelling system provides individual access into fuel channels, each bounded by an end fitting, using a refuelling machine having a barrel, a snout extending forwardly of the machine having a plurality of magnetic proximity sensing means in mutual spaced relation therein for sensing the relative position of respective portions of an end fitting in entered relation within the snout and means for controlling the position and attitude of the refuelling machine in response to the outputs of the sensing means, to bring the refuelling machine into centred, homed relation with the subject fuel channel, whereby the end fitting may be attached to the machine in sealed relation therewith.
Description
~Z~4~
Casz 2867 FUELLI~G MACHINE FI~E HOMI~G SYSTEM
This invention is directed to a refuelling system for a CANDU M type nuclear reactor, and in particular to an improved homing system for controlling the mating of the refuelling machine to an end fitting of a reactor fuel channel.
In the CANDU system of nuclear reactors the nuclear reaction takes place within a calandria having a plurality of elongated pressure tubes within which the nuclear fuel is positioned, and through which the heavy water coolant passes, in heat transfer relation with the fuel. There being several hundred such tubes, and with the operating requirement to carry out refuelling during operation of the reactor while on-load, the need for obtaining optimum operation of the refuelling system will be clearly recognized, particularly bearing in mind that the operation is carried out simultaneously at both ends of the reactor, with attachment of a refuelling machine to each end of the tube being refuelled.
Because of the very minor differences in inclination from a standard position, for the individual fuel channels, and in view of the close tolerances necessary in order to achieve a leakproof seal, alignment of the re~uelling machine with the respective fitting la vital. The prior refuelling :: :
, - .
s'~
Case 2867 systems have provided a coarse homing system to a predetermined channel location memory, utilizing fluidic sensors, using fine homing to a stalled position in front of the selected channel and fitting and a final homing control using gap sensing provided by fluidic proximity sensors~
In operation, the prior system located the selected fuel channel by memory, then brought the ~uelling machine into stalled contacting relation with the fuel channel end fitting under control of the coarse homing system, being then backed off, to return under the fine homing, gap sensing system, using fluidic proximity sensors.
In accordance with the present invention there is provided a homing system wherein the homing sensor system solely comprises magnetic proximity sensors, preferably of the eddy current type.
There is further provided an arrangement of magnetic proximity sensors incorporating built-in redundancy whereby the reliability of the system within its irradiated environment is beneficially enhanced.
The present invention thus provides in a nuclear reactor refuelling system for use in conjunction with a nuclear reactor having an end face and a plurality of fuel channels each having an end fitting extending forwardly of the end face, the fuelling machine b~ing resiliently mounted to permit limited tilting and pivoting away from an axis normal to the reactor face, and having a forward snout means extending towards the reactor for axial displacement in receiving relation over a pre-selected one of the end fittings, a preliminary homing system responsive to the selection of a predetermined fuel channel for bringing the fuel machine into coarse, substantially aligned relation with the selected channel, having the L4~S~-~
Case 2~67 fuel channel end fitting positioned in entered relation with the snout portion, wherein axial misalignment is accommodated by tilting and pivoting of the machine about the end fitting, and a single stage fine ho~ing system having a plurality of magnetic ~lux proximity sensors mounting in mutually spaced relation on a ring portion of the snout means to make individual magnetic flux-llnking connection with the entered end fitting in response to the relative proximity of the fitting portion proximate thereto, and proximity signal responsive means connecting the sensors with the fine homing drive means having X-axis and Y-axis drive modes for displacing the fuelling machine along the respective axis in a sense responsive to differences between the proximity signals to minimize such differences and to bring the snout into engaging sealing relation with the end fitting.
The present invention provides in one embodiment an arrangement wherein at least four magnetic proximeters are arranged in diametrically opposed pairs located on axes at 45 degrees to the X
and Y axes of the fuelling machine noz~le, in order to provide both X and Y component readings. In the event of failure of one of the four proximeters, the remaining proximeters would still be capable of providing the necessary accuracy of homing control to enable continuing operation of the system.
The outputs from the four proximeters are connected to a microprocessor arranged in controlling relation with the X-axis and Y-axis servo-motors of the fuelling machine positioning system.
In the case of the two proximeter pairs A, C; B, D arranged on 45 axis at the ten o'clock, four o'clock; two o'clock, eight o'clock positions the response of the microprocessor to the ~2'~ 5~
Ca6e 2867 relative dis~ance values provided by the respective sensors A, B, C, D as steering responses to the respective servo-motor might be:
when sensing A' ~-~ ~' or D' =-~ C' steer right A' ~ B' or D' ~_ C' steer left ~' ~> D' or B' ~ C' steer up A'c~ D' or B' ~ C' steer down In the event conditions require greater s~stem sensitivity, or the detection power of the proximeters is inadequate, it is possible to position the proximeters on the X and Y axes (i.e. vertically and hori70ntally). However, while this enhances the available signals by a factor of ~ ~ , the extent of protection by se~sor redund~ncy is diminished.
15 The refuelling system of the present invention operates in conjunction with a sealing ring fixture and a plurality of jaw members, carried by the refuelling machine providing a positive mechanical clamping effect to secure the machine in sealed relation to the end fitting, as is carried out in prior art systems.
In the know~prior art system it has been the practice to maintain the locking jaws and the jaw nozzle plates in a closed condition while approaching the respective fuel channel end-fitting under locating drive using X-coordinate and Y-coordinate memory. The fuel machine is then driven forward, to stall the closed nozzle plates against the channel end fitting.
Under fine homing control, using fluidic sensors, the fuelling machine is s~uared up to the end fitting so that the nozzle plates are parallel therewith. Upon the completion of fine homing the machine is backed off and the locking jaws are then moved to an open condition and the machine driven forward until it stalls the snout against the end fitting, using the fine homing sensors based upon three fluidic proximity ~48S~
Case 2~67 sensing elements, to check the ~ap, with the jaws in a closed condition.
In accordance with the present invention it is now possible to make the initial approach to the end fitting with the locking jaws already withdrawn into the open position, thereby obviating the need to interrupt the procedure in order to open the locking jaws.
Thus there is provided, in a homing system for locking a fuelling machine in sealing relation with a reactor end fitting the steps of opening the machine locking jaws, positioning a snout portion of the machine in substantially aligned relation with the selected end fitting, driving the snout forwardly in the Z-axis direction to diminish the axial distance between the end fitting and a plurality of proximity sensors mounted on the snout, sensing the differences in readings of the proximity sensors indicating the extent and sense of tilt and pivot of the machine relative to the end fitting, and selectively energizing X-axis and Y-axis servo-motors in machine position modifying relation in the sense to dlminish the sensed differences between the sensors, driving the snout forwardly whilst minimizing the sensed sensor differences, and locking the machine to the end fitting on achieving a predetermined homed relationship.
Thus it will be understood that the present invention provides a significantly simplified system, possessing inherent redundancy in certain of its embodiments, and resulting in an operational sequence yielding significant savings in the cycle time necessary to perform a homing and lock on sequence.
Such savings of time can, in turn, significantly benefit the operational efficiency of a nuclear reactor, while also enhancing refuelling machine Case 2~67 utilization. In a multi-reactor such enhanced utilization may lead to the possibility of using less refuelling machines with consequent large savings in capital costs.
Of equal importance i8 the simplification of the re~uelling system by limiting it to a single fine homing system, with consequent enhancement of statistical reliability and potential large savings in both operation and maintenance time.
Illustrative of the type of high temperature eddy current transducer suited to the adverse reactor environment is the Kaman Sciences Corporation Displacement Transducer such as their KD l901(T.M.).
Certain embodiments of the invention are lS described, reference being made to the accompanying drawings, wherein:
Figure 1 is a partial general view, in section showing the relative positions of the mechanicaI elements, preparatory to locX-up;
Figure 2 is a partial diametrical section, illustrating a subject proximity sensor in relation to the other ele~ents, just prior to lock-up;
Figure 3 is a schematic front view of the fuelling machine snout, showing sensor locations for enhanced redundancy, and Figure 4 is a circuit diagram for the system.
Turning to Figures 1, 2 and 3, the arrangement 10 shows a portion of an end fitting 12, of generally tube-like form. A fuelling machine (not shown) located leftwardly of the end fitting 12 has a snout ring 14 extending rightwardly therefrom, in facing relation with the end fitting 12. Also carried by the machine is an annular sealing ring 16 and a plurality of sealing ring segments 18. A plurality of magnetic proximity sensors, such as A, B, C and D of the type discussed above, or similar, are mounted in t~
Case 2867 the snout ring 14, being located in facing relation with the GAP formed between en~ fitting 12 and the outer face 20 of the snout ring 14, so as to "rea~"
across the GAP in response to the proximity of the end face 22 of the end fitting 12.
In operation, owing to manufacturing and operational variables the end faces 22 of the end fittings 12 are frequently not truly vertical.
Operating by X and Y coordinate "memory" under remote control the fuelling machine positions the snout 14 with the end fitting 12 in entered relation therein.
In most instances the fuelling machine cants and pivots on spring loaded trunnion mounts, (not shown) so as to enter over the end fitting 12. After advancing of the machine axially ~Z-axis) the sensors A, B, C or D give read-outs, the differences between which indicate the extent and the sense of canting or pivoting of the fuelling machine snout 14 relative to the end fitting 12.
Referring to Figure 4, the outputs of sensors A, B, C and D are connected to conditioner 30 b~ connections 26, 27, 28 and 29, and pass thence to the micro-processor 32.
The processor 32 has inputs for Alignment Set Point and Gap Set Point, with outputs to an X-steering and Y~steering servo-motor, and to a GAP
M~ASUREME~T read-out.
Considering the geometry of the arrangement, it will be evident that in the preferred arrangement (hereinafter the "A-arrangement") of locating the sensors A, B, C and D
at the lO-o'clock, 2-o'clock, 4-o'clock and 8-o'clock locations, this requires more powerful sensors than would be required if located at the cardinal points (12, 3, 6 and 9 o'clock), known hereinafter as the "C-arrangement". However, failure of one sensor ~ BS4 Case 2867 still permits the system to operate, with reduced accuracy.
While the sensitivity of the arrangement is enhanced if the cardinal point, C-arrangement is adopted, in the instance of failure of one sensor the redundancy factor i8 diminished, due to a significantly greater loss in accuracy.
Adoption of the C-arrangement improves the signal by multiplying the vector difference by a factor of r-~~. However, whilst the redundancy capability is not entirely sacrificed, it is correspondingly less effective.
Casz 2867 FUELLI~G MACHINE FI~E HOMI~G SYSTEM
This invention is directed to a refuelling system for a CANDU M type nuclear reactor, and in particular to an improved homing system for controlling the mating of the refuelling machine to an end fitting of a reactor fuel channel.
In the CANDU system of nuclear reactors the nuclear reaction takes place within a calandria having a plurality of elongated pressure tubes within which the nuclear fuel is positioned, and through which the heavy water coolant passes, in heat transfer relation with the fuel. There being several hundred such tubes, and with the operating requirement to carry out refuelling during operation of the reactor while on-load, the need for obtaining optimum operation of the refuelling system will be clearly recognized, particularly bearing in mind that the operation is carried out simultaneously at both ends of the reactor, with attachment of a refuelling machine to each end of the tube being refuelled.
Because of the very minor differences in inclination from a standard position, for the individual fuel channels, and in view of the close tolerances necessary in order to achieve a leakproof seal, alignment of the re~uelling machine with the respective fitting la vital. The prior refuelling :: :
, - .
s'~
Case 2867 systems have provided a coarse homing system to a predetermined channel location memory, utilizing fluidic sensors, using fine homing to a stalled position in front of the selected channel and fitting and a final homing control using gap sensing provided by fluidic proximity sensors~
In operation, the prior system located the selected fuel channel by memory, then brought the ~uelling machine into stalled contacting relation with the fuel channel end fitting under control of the coarse homing system, being then backed off, to return under the fine homing, gap sensing system, using fluidic proximity sensors.
In accordance with the present invention there is provided a homing system wherein the homing sensor system solely comprises magnetic proximity sensors, preferably of the eddy current type.
There is further provided an arrangement of magnetic proximity sensors incorporating built-in redundancy whereby the reliability of the system within its irradiated environment is beneficially enhanced.
The present invention thus provides in a nuclear reactor refuelling system for use in conjunction with a nuclear reactor having an end face and a plurality of fuel channels each having an end fitting extending forwardly of the end face, the fuelling machine b~ing resiliently mounted to permit limited tilting and pivoting away from an axis normal to the reactor face, and having a forward snout means extending towards the reactor for axial displacement in receiving relation over a pre-selected one of the end fittings, a preliminary homing system responsive to the selection of a predetermined fuel channel for bringing the fuel machine into coarse, substantially aligned relation with the selected channel, having the L4~S~-~
Case 2~67 fuel channel end fitting positioned in entered relation with the snout portion, wherein axial misalignment is accommodated by tilting and pivoting of the machine about the end fitting, and a single stage fine ho~ing system having a plurality of magnetic ~lux proximity sensors mounting in mutually spaced relation on a ring portion of the snout means to make individual magnetic flux-llnking connection with the entered end fitting in response to the relative proximity of the fitting portion proximate thereto, and proximity signal responsive means connecting the sensors with the fine homing drive means having X-axis and Y-axis drive modes for displacing the fuelling machine along the respective axis in a sense responsive to differences between the proximity signals to minimize such differences and to bring the snout into engaging sealing relation with the end fitting.
The present invention provides in one embodiment an arrangement wherein at least four magnetic proximeters are arranged in diametrically opposed pairs located on axes at 45 degrees to the X
and Y axes of the fuelling machine noz~le, in order to provide both X and Y component readings. In the event of failure of one of the four proximeters, the remaining proximeters would still be capable of providing the necessary accuracy of homing control to enable continuing operation of the system.
The outputs from the four proximeters are connected to a microprocessor arranged in controlling relation with the X-axis and Y-axis servo-motors of the fuelling machine positioning system.
In the case of the two proximeter pairs A, C; B, D arranged on 45 axis at the ten o'clock, four o'clock; two o'clock, eight o'clock positions the response of the microprocessor to the ~2'~ 5~
Ca6e 2867 relative dis~ance values provided by the respective sensors A, B, C, D as steering responses to the respective servo-motor might be:
when sensing A' ~-~ ~' or D' =-~ C' steer right A' ~ B' or D' ~_ C' steer left ~' ~> D' or B' ~ C' steer up A'c~ D' or B' ~ C' steer down In the event conditions require greater s~stem sensitivity, or the detection power of the proximeters is inadequate, it is possible to position the proximeters on the X and Y axes (i.e. vertically and hori70ntally). However, while this enhances the available signals by a factor of ~ ~ , the extent of protection by se~sor redund~ncy is diminished.
15 The refuelling system of the present invention operates in conjunction with a sealing ring fixture and a plurality of jaw members, carried by the refuelling machine providing a positive mechanical clamping effect to secure the machine in sealed relation to the end fitting, as is carried out in prior art systems.
In the know~prior art system it has been the practice to maintain the locking jaws and the jaw nozzle plates in a closed condition while approaching the respective fuel channel end-fitting under locating drive using X-coordinate and Y-coordinate memory. The fuel machine is then driven forward, to stall the closed nozzle plates against the channel end fitting.
Under fine homing control, using fluidic sensors, the fuelling machine is s~uared up to the end fitting so that the nozzle plates are parallel therewith. Upon the completion of fine homing the machine is backed off and the locking jaws are then moved to an open condition and the machine driven forward until it stalls the snout against the end fitting, using the fine homing sensors based upon three fluidic proximity ~48S~
Case 2~67 sensing elements, to check the ~ap, with the jaws in a closed condition.
In accordance with the present invention it is now possible to make the initial approach to the end fitting with the locking jaws already withdrawn into the open position, thereby obviating the need to interrupt the procedure in order to open the locking jaws.
Thus there is provided, in a homing system for locking a fuelling machine in sealing relation with a reactor end fitting the steps of opening the machine locking jaws, positioning a snout portion of the machine in substantially aligned relation with the selected end fitting, driving the snout forwardly in the Z-axis direction to diminish the axial distance between the end fitting and a plurality of proximity sensors mounted on the snout, sensing the differences in readings of the proximity sensors indicating the extent and sense of tilt and pivot of the machine relative to the end fitting, and selectively energizing X-axis and Y-axis servo-motors in machine position modifying relation in the sense to dlminish the sensed differences between the sensors, driving the snout forwardly whilst minimizing the sensed sensor differences, and locking the machine to the end fitting on achieving a predetermined homed relationship.
Thus it will be understood that the present invention provides a significantly simplified system, possessing inherent redundancy in certain of its embodiments, and resulting in an operational sequence yielding significant savings in the cycle time necessary to perform a homing and lock on sequence.
Such savings of time can, in turn, significantly benefit the operational efficiency of a nuclear reactor, while also enhancing refuelling machine Case 2~67 utilization. In a multi-reactor such enhanced utilization may lead to the possibility of using less refuelling machines with consequent large savings in capital costs.
Of equal importance i8 the simplification of the re~uelling system by limiting it to a single fine homing system, with consequent enhancement of statistical reliability and potential large savings in both operation and maintenance time.
Illustrative of the type of high temperature eddy current transducer suited to the adverse reactor environment is the Kaman Sciences Corporation Displacement Transducer such as their KD l901(T.M.).
Certain embodiments of the invention are lS described, reference being made to the accompanying drawings, wherein:
Figure 1 is a partial general view, in section showing the relative positions of the mechanicaI elements, preparatory to locX-up;
Figure 2 is a partial diametrical section, illustrating a subject proximity sensor in relation to the other ele~ents, just prior to lock-up;
Figure 3 is a schematic front view of the fuelling machine snout, showing sensor locations for enhanced redundancy, and Figure 4 is a circuit diagram for the system.
Turning to Figures 1, 2 and 3, the arrangement 10 shows a portion of an end fitting 12, of generally tube-like form. A fuelling machine (not shown) located leftwardly of the end fitting 12 has a snout ring 14 extending rightwardly therefrom, in facing relation with the end fitting 12. Also carried by the machine is an annular sealing ring 16 and a plurality of sealing ring segments 18. A plurality of magnetic proximity sensors, such as A, B, C and D of the type discussed above, or similar, are mounted in t~
Case 2867 the snout ring 14, being located in facing relation with the GAP formed between en~ fitting 12 and the outer face 20 of the snout ring 14, so as to "rea~"
across the GAP in response to the proximity of the end face 22 of the end fitting 12.
In operation, owing to manufacturing and operational variables the end faces 22 of the end fittings 12 are frequently not truly vertical.
Operating by X and Y coordinate "memory" under remote control the fuelling machine positions the snout 14 with the end fitting 12 in entered relation therein.
In most instances the fuelling machine cants and pivots on spring loaded trunnion mounts, (not shown) so as to enter over the end fitting 12. After advancing of the machine axially ~Z-axis) the sensors A, B, C or D give read-outs, the differences between which indicate the extent and the sense of canting or pivoting of the fuelling machine snout 14 relative to the end fitting 12.
Referring to Figure 4, the outputs of sensors A, B, C and D are connected to conditioner 30 b~ connections 26, 27, 28 and 29, and pass thence to the micro-processor 32.
The processor 32 has inputs for Alignment Set Point and Gap Set Point, with outputs to an X-steering and Y~steering servo-motor, and to a GAP
M~ASUREME~T read-out.
Considering the geometry of the arrangement, it will be evident that in the preferred arrangement (hereinafter the "A-arrangement") of locating the sensors A, B, C and D
at the lO-o'clock, 2-o'clock, 4-o'clock and 8-o'clock locations, this requires more powerful sensors than would be required if located at the cardinal points (12, 3, 6 and 9 o'clock), known hereinafter as the "C-arrangement". However, failure of one sensor ~ BS4 Case 2867 still permits the system to operate, with reduced accuracy.
While the sensitivity of the arrangement is enhanced if the cardinal point, C-arrangement is adopted, in the instance of failure of one sensor the redundancy factor i8 diminished, due to a significantly greater loss in accuracy.
Adoption of the C-arrangement improves the signal by multiplying the vector difference by a factor of r-~~. However, whilst the redundancy capability is not entirely sacrificed, it is correspondingly less effective.
Claims (6)
1. In a nuclear reactor refuelling system for use on a nuclear fuel reactor having an end face and a plurality of fuel channels each with an end fitting extending from said end face, said system including a resiliently mounted fuelling machine having a refuelling snout extending therefrom for engagement over a preselected one said end fitting, said snout having an inner ring portion for coaxially extending from said end fitting and a circumferential rim for engaging over said fitting; and a preliminary homing system for aligning said fuelling machine by axially tilting and pivoting the machine with respect to said end fitting, the improvement comprising: a single stage fine homing system comprising a plurality of magnetic flux proximity sensors mounted in spaced relation on the inner ring portion of said snout for magnetic flux link connection therewith, and a signal responsive means responsive to signals from said proximity sensors for activating a fine homing drive having X-axis and Y-axis drive modes for positioning said rim over the end fitting and positioning said inner ring in spaced coaxial alignment therewith.
2. A refuelling system as claimed in claim 1 wherein said fine homing system comprises four said magnetic flux sensors mounted in spaced apart relationship on said inner ring portion.
3. A refuelling system as claimed in claim 2 wherein said magnetic flux sensors are so spaced apart as to be at substantially 45 degrees to the cardinal points.
4. A refuelling system as claimed in claim 2 wherein said magnetic flux sensors are so spaced - 10 - Case 2867 apart as to be substantially located at the cardinal points.
5. A refuelling system as claimed in claim 2, 3 or 4 wherein said magnetic flux sensors are of the eddy current type.
6. A method for securing a fuelling machine in sealing relationship with a predetermined end fitting on a fuel channel of a nuclear fuel reactor, said fuelling machine having a refuelling snout portion extending therefrom for engagement over said fitting and having retractable jaw means, said snout portion further comprising an inner ring portion for coaxially extending from said fitting and a circumferential rim portion for engaging over said fitting, said method comprising the steps of:
(a) bringing said fuelling machine in coarse alignment with said end fitting by axially tilting and pivoting said machine in response to a preliminary homing system during which said jaw means is retracted, (b) advancing said snout portion to position said rim over said end fitting, (c) advancing and adjusting the inner ring portion in spaced axial alignment with said fitting by means of a single stage fine homing drive in response to signals from a plurality of spaced apart magnetic flux proximity sensors on said inner ring portion to achieve substantially symmetrical coaxial alignment and sealing engagement with said end fitting, and (d) closing said jaw means in securing relation with said end fitting.
(a) bringing said fuelling machine in coarse alignment with said end fitting by axially tilting and pivoting said machine in response to a preliminary homing system during which said jaw means is retracted, (b) advancing said snout portion to position said rim over said end fitting, (c) advancing and adjusting the inner ring portion in spaced axial alignment with said fitting by means of a single stage fine homing drive in response to signals from a plurality of spaced apart magnetic flux proximity sensors on said inner ring portion to achieve substantially symmetrical coaxial alignment and sealing engagement with said end fitting, and (d) closing said jaw means in securing relation with said end fitting.
Priority Applications (1)
| Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
|---|---|---|---|
| CA000485707A CA1244854A (en) | 1985-06-27 | 1985-06-27 | Fuelling machine fine homing system |
Applications Claiming Priority (1)
| Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
|---|---|---|---|
| CA000485707A CA1244854A (en) | 1985-06-27 | 1985-06-27 | Fuelling machine fine homing system |
Publications (1)
| Publication Number | Publication Date |
|---|---|
| CA1244854A true CA1244854A (en) | 1988-11-15 |
Family
ID=4130865
Family Applications (1)
| Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
|---|---|---|---|
| CA000485707A Expired CA1244854A (en) | 1985-06-27 | 1985-06-27 | Fuelling machine fine homing system |
Country Status (1)
| Country | Link |
|---|---|
| CA (1) | CA1244854A (en) |
Cited By (1)
| Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| US9418765B2 (en) | 2013-03-14 | 2016-08-16 | Roger Ian LOUNSBURY | Nuclear reactor cores comprising a plurality of fuel elements, and fuel elements for use therein |
-
1985
- 1985-06-27 CA CA000485707A patent/CA1244854A/en not_active Expired
Cited By (1)
| Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| US9418765B2 (en) | 2013-03-14 | 2016-08-16 | Roger Ian LOUNSBURY | Nuclear reactor cores comprising a plurality of fuel elements, and fuel elements for use therein |
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| MKEX | Expiry |