CA1258926A - Fuel grapple for defuelling fuel channel - Google Patents
Fuel grapple for defuelling fuel channelInfo
- Publication number
- CA1258926A CA1258926A CA000536683A CA536683A CA1258926A CA 1258926 A CA1258926 A CA 1258926A CA 000536683 A CA000536683 A CA 000536683A CA 536683 A CA536683 A CA 536683A CA 1258926 A CA1258926 A CA 1258926A
- Authority
- CA
- Canada
- Prior art keywords
- grapple
- finger
- plunger
- fuel
- fingers
- 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
FUEL GRAPPLE FOR DEFUELLING FUEL CHANNEL
Abstract of the Disclosure An apparatus for grappling a grapple ring on the end face of a fuel bundle in a fuel channel of a nuclear reactor for withdrawing the fuel bundle from the fuel channel. The fuel bundles have an end face with a plate-like ring spaced from the end face for engagement with a grapple. The arm for withdrawing the fuel bundles has a head mounted to the end of the arm. The head has a cylindrically shaped, forwardly biased, main plunger, and several disc-like grapple fingers mounted at the forward end of the head, outwardly of the main plunger, mounted for limited rotation each in a plane passing through the axis of the main plunger. Each grapple finger has a projecting spur for insertion behind the ring on the end face of the fuel bundle, and an indentation for receiving a forwardly directed projection mounted to said main plunger and retaining the grapple fingers in a non-engaging position. A
finger plunger for each grapple finger is biased in a forward direction and makes engagement with a respective grapple finger, biasing the grapple finger for rotation to an engaging position. Forward movement of the head butts the main plunger against the end face of a fuel bundle such that continued forward movement withdraws the forwardly directed projection from the indentations of the grapple fingers, permitting them to rotate to their engaging position with the projecting spurs behind the ring thereby grappling the fuel bundle. The end of the finger plunger in engagement with the respective grapple finger, is in the form of a disk which is received in a right-angled portion on the edge of the disk when the grapple finger is in its engaging position, tending to lock the grapple finger in that position until the finger plunger is retracted.
Abstract of the Disclosure An apparatus for grappling a grapple ring on the end face of a fuel bundle in a fuel channel of a nuclear reactor for withdrawing the fuel bundle from the fuel channel. The fuel bundles have an end face with a plate-like ring spaced from the end face for engagement with a grapple. The arm for withdrawing the fuel bundles has a head mounted to the end of the arm. The head has a cylindrically shaped, forwardly biased, main plunger, and several disc-like grapple fingers mounted at the forward end of the head, outwardly of the main plunger, mounted for limited rotation each in a plane passing through the axis of the main plunger. Each grapple finger has a projecting spur for insertion behind the ring on the end face of the fuel bundle, and an indentation for receiving a forwardly directed projection mounted to said main plunger and retaining the grapple fingers in a non-engaging position. A
finger plunger for each grapple finger is biased in a forward direction and makes engagement with a respective grapple finger, biasing the grapple finger for rotation to an engaging position. Forward movement of the head butts the main plunger against the end face of a fuel bundle such that continued forward movement withdraws the forwardly directed projection from the indentations of the grapple fingers, permitting them to rotate to their engaging position with the projecting spurs behind the ring thereby grappling the fuel bundle. The end of the finger plunger in engagement with the respective grapple finger, is in the form of a disk which is received in a right-angled portion on the edge of the disk when the grapple finger is in its engaging position, tending to lock the grapple finger in that position until the finger plunger is retracted.
Description
- 1 - Case 2974 FUEL GRAPPLE FOR DEFUELLING A NUCLEAR REACTOR
Background of the Invention This invention relates to apparatus for removing fuel from a nuclear reactor, and in particular it relates to a fuel grapple for engaging with the end of a fuel bundle in a nuclear reactor.
A nuclear reactor has a number of Euel channels and each fuel channel normally contains a plurality oE uel bundles. In a reactor having horizontally extending El~el channels, expended fuel bundles are usually replaced with fresh bundles using a pair of fuelling/defuelling machines at opposite ends of the reactor. Bundles of new Euel are inserted at one end of a fuel channel and pushed into the channel by one machine while the other machine receives the fuel bundle pushed out at the other end. The pair of machines are essentially similar in most instances and are referred to as a fuelling machine and a defuelling machine only to indicate the operation they are performing or for convenience.
If there should be a failure in one of the machines, it is desirable that the other machine be able to defuel the reactor, that is to grapp]e and remove the fuel bundles in a fuel channel, by . ~
' .
9~
Background of the Invention This invention relates to apparatus for removing fuel from a nuclear reactor, and in particular it relates to a fuel grapple for engaging with the end of a fuel bundle in a nuclear reactor.
A nuclear reactor has a number of Euel channels and each fuel channel normally contains a plurality oE uel bundles. In a reactor having horizontally extending El~el channels, expended fuel bundles are usually replaced with fresh bundles using a pair of fuelling/defuelling machines at opposite ends of the reactor. Bundles of new Euel are inserted at one end of a fuel channel and pushed into the channel by one machine while the other machine receives the fuel bundle pushed out at the other end. The pair of machines are essentially similar in most instances and are referred to as a fuelling machine and a defuelling machine only to indicate the operation they are performing or for convenience.
If there should be a failure in one of the machines, it is desirable that the other machine be able to defuel the reactor, that is to grapp]e and remove the fuel bundles in a fuel channel, by . ~
' .
9~
- 2 - Case 2974 itself. The grappling of a fuel bundle must be a positive operation. There is usually a strong flow of coolant in a fuel channel. If one of the inner fuel bundles was grappled and withdrawn part way along the fuel channel and then released, the flow of coolant might move it along the channel at a destructive velocity. The present invention is for an improved fuel grapple arrangement.
Summary of the Invention The present invention provides for a positive locking of the grapple fingers that engage an end ring on the end of a fuel bundle, and for an externally operated release of the grapple fingers.
It is therefore an object of the present invention to provide an improved Euel grapple arrangement for a defuelling.
It is another object of the present invention to provide a fuel bundle grapple with automatic locking of the grapple fingers in engagement with the fuel bundle.
Accordingly there is provided apparatus for withdrawing a fuel bundle from a fuel channel in a nuclear reactor and including a controllable arm for moving forwards and backwards along a selected axis, said fuel bundle having an end face with an end plate supported on spokes and spaced from the end face for receiving grappling means to grapple said fuel bundle, a head on the end of said arm comprising a cylindrically shaped main plunger extending outwardly at the end of said head remote from said arm and mounted for limited longitudinal movement, spring means biasing said main plunger in an outward direction, said main plunger having a radially and outwardly extending arm portion with a forwardly directed projection, a plurality of grapple fingers mounted on said head radially outwards of said main . .
Summary of the Invention The present invention provides for a positive locking of the grapple fingers that engage an end ring on the end of a fuel bundle, and for an externally operated release of the grapple fingers.
It is therefore an object of the present invention to provide an improved Euel grapple arrangement for a defuelling.
It is another object of the present invention to provide a fuel bundle grapple with automatic locking of the grapple fingers in engagement with the fuel bundle.
Accordingly there is provided apparatus for withdrawing a fuel bundle from a fuel channel in a nuclear reactor and including a controllable arm for moving forwards and backwards along a selected axis, said fuel bundle having an end face with an end plate supported on spokes and spaced from the end face for receiving grappling means to grapple said fuel bundle, a head on the end of said arm comprising a cylindrically shaped main plunger extending outwardly at the end of said head remote from said arm and mounted for limited longitudinal movement, spring means biasing said main plunger in an outward direction, said main plunger having a radially and outwardly extending arm portion with a forwardly directed projection, a plurality of grapple fingers mounted on said head radially outwards of said main . .
- 3 - Case 2974 plunger for pivotal movement in a respective longitudinal plane between a first position and a second position, each said grapple finger having an extending spur for grappling engagement behind said end plate ln said first position and having an indentation for receiving said projection in said second position, a finger plunger for each said grapple finger making engagement at one end with a respective grapple finger and including spring means biasing said grapple finger towards said first position, said grapple finger being retained in said second position by said projection extending into said indentation, forward movement of said arm abutting said main plunger against said end face of said fuel bundle whereby further forward movement disengages said projection Erom said indentation releasing said grapple fingers for rotation towards said first position, the spurs of said grapple fingers being behind said end plate to hold said fuel bundle to said head.
Brief Description of the Drawings Tlle invention will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings in which:
Figure 1 is a sectional view of the head of a fuel grapple incorporating the invention, Figures 2A and 2B are schematic depictions of the fuel grapple of the invention in two positions, Figure 3 (appearing on the same sheet of drawings as Figure 1) is a side view of a tool useful in decoupling the fuel grapple, and Figure 4 (appearing on the same sheet of drawings as Figure 1 )is a sectional view taken along ~ line 4-4 of Figure 3.
; Descr~ption of the Preferred Embodiment Referring first to Figure 1, there is shown the head 10 of a fuel grapple which would be used on
Brief Description of the Drawings Tlle invention will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings in which:
Figure 1 is a sectional view of the head of a fuel grapple incorporating the invention, Figures 2A and 2B are schematic depictions of the fuel grapple of the invention in two positions, Figure 3 (appearing on the same sheet of drawings as Figure 1) is a side view of a tool useful in decoupling the fuel grapple, and Figure 4 (appearing on the same sheet of drawings as Figure 1 )is a sectional view taken along ~ line 4-4 of Figure 3.
; Descr~ption of the Preferred Embodiment Referring first to Figure 1, there is shown the head 10 of a fuel grapple which would be used on
- 4 - Case 297~
a fuelling machine for a nuclear reactor. A main plunger 11 is mo~nted for limited sliding movement on a cylindrical portion 12. A spring 14 biases the main plunger 11 outwardly, that is towards the left in Figure 1. A plurality of grapple fingers 15 are mounted to a finger support structure 16. The grapple fingers 15 are mounted to pivot about point 17. There are preferably of the order of 20 grapple fingers spaced about the periphery of the plunger 11. There must be at least two grapple fingers 15 but to ensure a positive grapple there should be a larger number inasmuch as it is possible that a grapple finger might not make a satisfactory engagement with a fuel bundle being grappled. On the other hand, there must be ade~uate space for the grapples and this associated components. It has been found that of the order of 20 grapple finyers is suitable.
The grapple fingers 15 are each actuated by a respective finger plunger 18 as will be explained in more detail in connection with Figures 2 and 3. A
spring 20 for each finger plunger 18 biases the respective finger plunger 18 in a forward direction.
Each finger plunger 18 terminates at its inward end in a tail ring 21. ~ finger release cylinder 22 has a flange 23 with openings receiving a respective finger plunger 18. The finger release cylinder 22 is fastened to a release member 24 which is biased in a forwardly direction by springs 25. The head 10 is mounted on an arm 26 which may be moved forwards and backwards by a drive (not shown) as well as positioned against a fuel bundle. Apparatus for driving an arm in a fuelling machine is well known.
Referring now to Figure 2A, the front portion of the head 10 is shown just as the main plunger 11 is about to contact a member 27 on the end ;
~;
,, '
a fuelling machine for a nuclear reactor. A main plunger 11 is mo~nted for limited sliding movement on a cylindrical portion 12. A spring 14 biases the main plunger 11 outwardly, that is towards the left in Figure 1. A plurality of grapple fingers 15 are mounted to a finger support structure 16. The grapple fingers 15 are mounted to pivot about point 17. There are preferably of the order of 20 grapple fingers spaced about the periphery of the plunger 11. There must be at least two grapple fingers 15 but to ensure a positive grapple there should be a larger number inasmuch as it is possible that a grapple finger might not make a satisfactory engagement with a fuel bundle being grappled. On the other hand, there must be ade~uate space for the grapples and this associated components. It has been found that of the order of 20 grapple finyers is suitable.
The grapple fingers 15 are each actuated by a respective finger plunger 18 as will be explained in more detail in connection with Figures 2 and 3. A
spring 20 for each finger plunger 18 biases the respective finger plunger 18 in a forward direction.
Each finger plunger 18 terminates at its inward end in a tail ring 21. ~ finger release cylinder 22 has a flange 23 with openings receiving a respective finger plunger 18. The finger release cylinder 22 is fastened to a release member 24 which is biased in a forwardly direction by springs 25. The head 10 is mounted on an arm 26 which may be moved forwards and backwards by a drive (not shown) as well as positioned against a fuel bundle. Apparatus for driving an arm in a fuelling machine is well known.
Referring now to Figure 2A, the front portion of the head 10 is shown just as the main plunger 11 is about to contact a member 27 on the end ;
~;
,, '
- 5 - Case 2974 face 28 of a fuel bundle 30. The fuel bundle 30 is, of course, the fuel bundle which is the end of a string of fuel bundles in the fuel channel of a reactor The arm carrying the head 10 is designed to advance into a fuel channel to grapple the fuel bundle at the end of a string of fuel bundles.
A fuel bundle end plate 31 e~tends around the end face ~8 of fuel bundle 30, supported by spaced apart, protrusions or radial spokes 32. The protrusions 32 are conveniently welds. A finger plunger 18 is biased outwardly (to the left in Figure 2A) b~ spring 20 so that a disc 33 at the end of the finger plunger 18 bears against portion 34 of grapple finger 15. Thus, grapple finger 15 has a force applied through disc 33 of finger plunger 18 which tends to rotate grapple finger 15 in a clockwise direction. Grapple finger 15 has an indentation 35 which receives projection 36 on arm portion 37 which is part of main plunger 11. This prevents rotation of grapple finger lS.
As the arm carrying head 10 continues to advance or extend, the main plunger 11 contacts member 27 (which is part of end plate 31) and the main plunger 11 stalls. As the arm continues to advance, spriny 14 is compressed and the projection 36 on arm 37 is withdrawn from indentation 35. When projection 36 is clear of indentation 35, grapple finger 15 is rotated in a clockwise direction by disc 33 on finger plunger 18. An extending spur 38 on grapple finger 15 moves behind fuel end plate 31.
This is the position shown in Figure 2B. It should be noted that grapple finger 15 is locked in this position because a recess 40 in grapple finger 15 has a right-angled configuration which matches or mates with the part of disc 33 which it engages. If, for some reason, spring 20 should fail and no longer bias
A fuel bundle end plate 31 e~tends around the end face ~8 of fuel bundle 30, supported by spaced apart, protrusions or radial spokes 32. The protrusions 32 are conveniently welds. A finger plunger 18 is biased outwardly (to the left in Figure 2A) b~ spring 20 so that a disc 33 at the end of the finger plunger 18 bears against portion 34 of grapple finger 15. Thus, grapple finger 15 has a force applied through disc 33 of finger plunger 18 which tends to rotate grapple finger 15 in a clockwise direction. Grapple finger 15 has an indentation 35 which receives projection 36 on arm portion 37 which is part of main plunger 11. This prevents rotation of grapple finger lS.
As the arm carrying head 10 continues to advance or extend, the main plunger 11 contacts member 27 (which is part of end plate 31) and the main plunger 11 stalls. As the arm continues to advance, spriny 14 is compressed and the projection 36 on arm 37 is withdrawn from indentation 35. When projection 36 is clear of indentation 35, grapple finger 15 is rotated in a clockwise direction by disc 33 on finger plunger 18. An extending spur 38 on grapple finger 15 moves behind fuel end plate 31.
This is the position shown in Figure 2B. It should be noted that grapple finger 15 is locked in this position because a recess 40 in grapple finger 15 has a right-angled configuration which matches or mates with the part of disc 33 which it engages. If, for some reason, spring 20 should fail and no longer bias
- 6 - Case 2974 finger plunger 18 outwardly, and if a force were applied to grapple finger 15 trying to rotate it out of its grapple position, the engagement between disc 33 and recess 40 would still prevent rotation of grapple finger 15 in a counterclockwise direction (i.e. in a releasing direction). There must be a force applied to withdraw finger plunger 18 before grapple finger 15 will rotate (countercloskwise) to disengage from end plate 31 and release fuel bundle It should also be noted that a grapplefinger 15 might be positioned so that it contacts one of the radial spokes 32 as the arm is advanced to grapple a fuel bundle. In such an instance the grapple finger will not rotate clockwise into its locked position in engagement with end plate 31.
This will not eEfect the grappling of a fuel bundle as there is a finger plunger 18 for each grapple finger 15 and there are many other grapple fingers which will engage the end plate 31 in the manner depicted in Figure 2B. When a grapple finger 15 contacts a radial spoke 32, that particular grapple finger 15 will not complete its movement into a locked engaging position but the other grapple fingers will and the fuel bundle 30 will be satisfactorily grappled and supported by the other grapple fingers.
Once a fuel bundle is grappled, the head 10 is withdrawn from the fuel channel and the fuel bundle is moved to an irradiated fuel reception bay where the fuel bundle must be released. The release of the fuel bundle is best described with reference to Figure 1. It requires the use of a tool which is inserted between release member 24 and extension cylinder 41 as indicated by arrow 42. The tool may be of any type capable of moving release member 24 in ~5~9~
This will not eEfect the grappling of a fuel bundle as there is a finger plunger 18 for each grapple finger 15 and there are many other grapple fingers which will engage the end plate 31 in the manner depicted in Figure 2B. When a grapple finger 15 contacts a radial spoke 32, that particular grapple finger 15 will not complete its movement into a locked engaging position but the other grapple fingers will and the fuel bundle 30 will be satisfactorily grappled and supported by the other grapple fingers.
Once a fuel bundle is grappled, the head 10 is withdrawn from the fuel channel and the fuel bundle is moved to an irradiated fuel reception bay where the fuel bundle must be released. The release of the fuel bundle is best described with reference to Figure 1. It requires the use of a tool which is inserted between release member 24 and extension cylinder 41 as indicated by arrow 42. The tool may be of any type capable of moving release member 24 in ~5~9~
- 7 - Case 2974 a direction away from extension cylinder 41, that is by compressing spring 25. A tool found to be suitable is a tool 46 shown in Figure 3 having a long shaft 43 with a handle 44 for rotating the shaft.
The shaft has an eleptical cross-section as shown in Figure 4. The shaft 43 of tool 46 is inserted in the gap between release member 24 and extension cylinder 41 and the shaft 43 is rotated to move the long axis of the elliptical shaft into longitudinal alignment with the arm. This compresses spring 25 and moves release member 24 to the right as seen in Figure 1.
This causes finger release cylinder 22 to move to the right also, and the flange 23 engages tail ring 21 and moves finger plunger 18 to the right. The disc 33 on finger plunger 18 engages protuberance 45 (Figure 2B) of grapple finger 15, rotating grapple finger 15 until projection 36 moves into indentation 35 to retain the grapple finger 15 and finger plunger 18 in that position (as shown in Figure 2A). The shaft 43 of tool 46 is now withdrawn. It will be clear that the flange 23 enyages the tail rings 21 of all the finger plungers 1~ when tool 46 is used to release and retain all the grapple fingers 15.
It is believed the preceding description provides a complete understanding of the invention and its operation.
:
The shaft has an eleptical cross-section as shown in Figure 4. The shaft 43 of tool 46 is inserted in the gap between release member 24 and extension cylinder 41 and the shaft 43 is rotated to move the long axis of the elliptical shaft into longitudinal alignment with the arm. This compresses spring 25 and moves release member 24 to the right as seen in Figure 1.
This causes finger release cylinder 22 to move to the right also, and the flange 23 engages tail ring 21 and moves finger plunger 18 to the right. The disc 33 on finger plunger 18 engages protuberance 45 (Figure 2B) of grapple finger 15, rotating grapple finger 15 until projection 36 moves into indentation 35 to retain the grapple finger 15 and finger plunger 18 in that position (as shown in Figure 2A). The shaft 43 of tool 46 is now withdrawn. It will be clear that the flange 23 enyages the tail rings 21 of all the finger plungers 1~ when tool 46 is used to release and retain all the grapple fingers 15.
It is believed the preceding description provides a complete understanding of the invention and its operation.
:
Claims (6)
1. Apparatus for withdrawing a fuel bundle from a fuel channel in a nuclear reactor and including a controllable arm for moving forwards and backwards along a selected axis, said fuel bundle having an end face with an end plate supported on protrusions and spaced from the end face for receiving grappling means to grapple said fuel bundle, a head on the end of said arm comprising a cylindrically shaped main plunger extending outwardly at the end of said head remote from said arm and mounted for limited longitudinal movement, spring means biasing said main plunger in an outward direction, said main plunger having a radially and outwardly extending arm portion with a forwardly directed projection, a plurality of grapple fingers mounted on said head radially outwards of said main plunger for pivotal movement in a respective longitudinal plane between a first position and a second position, each said grapple finger having an extending spur for grappling engagement behind said end plate in said first position and having an indentation for receiving said projection in said second position, a finger plunger for each said grapple finger making engagement at one end with a respective grapple finger and including spring means biasing said grapple finger towards said first position, said grapple finger being retained in said second position by said projection extending into said indentation, forward movement of said arm abutting said main plunger against said end face of said fuel bundle whereby further forward movement disengages said projection from said indentation releasing said grapple fingers for rotation towards said first position, the spurs of said grapple fingers being behind said end plate to hold said fuel bundle to said head.
2. Apparatus as defined in claim 1 and further including locking means for locking said grapple fingers in said first position, comprising, a disc on said one end of said finger plungers, said grapple fingers having a recess in to which an edge of a respective disc projects said disc engaging a portion of the edge of the grapple finger defining said recess, the edge of the grapple finger defining said recess including a portion defining a right angle which mates with a portion of a respective disk when said grapple finger is in said first position thereby locking said grapple finger in said first position until the respective finger plunger is retracted moving said respective grapple finger to said second position.
3. Apparatus as defined in claim 1 or 2 and further comprising a tail ring on each said finger plunger at the end thereof opposite said one end, a finger release cylinder having an outwardly extending flange at its forward end, said flange having an opening for each finger plunger through which the shaft of a respective finger plunger passes, said finger release cylinder being mounted for sliding longitudinal movement on said head between a first position where said tail rings of said finger plungers are adjacent said flange and a second position where said flange has engaged said tail rings and moved said finger plungers rearwardly moving said respective grapple fingers to their second position.
4. Apparatus for withdrawing a fuel bundle from a fuel channel in a nuclear reactor and including a controllable arm for moving forwards and backwards along a desired axis, said fuel bundle having an end face and a grapple engageable means spaced outwardly from said end face, a head on the end of said arm for grappling said grapple engageable means, said head comprising main plunger means at the end of said head mounted for limited longitudinal movement, first spring means biasing said main plunger means axially outwardly, projecting means extending radially outwards from said main plunger means and in a forward direction, a plurality of grapple fingers spaced outwardly of said main plunger means and mounted for limited rotation about respective axes lying in a plane at right angles to the longitudinal axis of said head, each said grapple finger having an extending spur for grappling engagement with said grapple engageable means, a finger plunger for each said grapple finger, said finger plunger extending longitudinally and making engagement at a forward end thereof with a respective grapple finger, second spring means biasing a respective finger plunger in a foward direction tending to rotate a respective grapple finger to a first position where said spur is in grappling engagement with said grapple engageable means, said grapple fingers each having a portion of the edge thereof which defines an indentation for receiving said projecting means retaining said grapple fingers in a second position against rotation to said first position, whereby forward movement of said head against said fuel bundle compresses said first spring means and withdraws said projecting means from said indentation permitting rotation of said grapple fingers to said first position.
5. Apparatus as defined in claim 4 in which said finger plunger has a disc on its forward end extending outwardly of the body of said plunger, and a tail ring on its rearward end extending outwardly of the body of said plunger, and in which each grapple finger has an edge which forms a disc receiving recess, the engagement between a disc on a finger plunger and the edge of a respective grapple finger defining said recess causes rotation of said grapple finger said edge defining said recess forming a right angled portion for engagement with a respective disc when said grapple finger is in said first position to assist in retaining the respective grapple finger in said first position.
6. Apparatus as defined in claim 5 and further comprising finger release means for engaging the tail rings of each said finger plunger when said grapple fingers are in said first position, said finger release means being biased in a forwardly direction, whereby movement of said finger release means in a rearward direction moves each said finger plunger rearwardly, rotating each said grapple finger from its first position until said projecting means is
6. Apparatus as defined in claim 5 and further comprising finger release means for engaging the tail rings of each said finger plunger when said grapple fingers are in said first position, said finger release means being biased in a forwardly direction, whereby movement of said finger release means in a rearward direction moves each said finger plunger rearwardly, rotating each said grapple finger from its first position until said projecting means is
Claim 6 continued:
clear to move into each said indentation thereby retaining said grapple fingers in said second position.
clear to move into each said indentation thereby retaining said grapple fingers in said second position.
Priority Applications (1)
| Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
|---|---|---|---|
| CA000536683A CA1258926A (en) | 1987-05-08 | 1987-05-08 | Fuel grapple for defuelling fuel channel |
Applications Claiming Priority (1)
| Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
|---|---|---|---|
| CA000536683A CA1258926A (en) | 1987-05-08 | 1987-05-08 | Fuel grapple for defuelling fuel channel |
Publications (1)
| Publication Number | Publication Date |
|---|---|
| CA1258926A true CA1258926A (en) | 1989-08-29 |
Family
ID=4135615
Family Applications (1)
| Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
|---|---|---|---|
| CA000536683A Expired CA1258926A (en) | 1987-05-08 | 1987-05-08 | Fuel grapple for defuelling fuel channel |
Country Status (1)
| Country | Link |
|---|---|
| CA (1) | CA1258926A (en) |
Cited By (3)
| Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| CN110689979A (en) * | 2019-10-28 | 2020-01-14 | 中核核电运行管理有限公司 | Underwater emergency grabbing device for cobalt isotope rod bundle |
| CN111653374A (en) * | 2020-05-25 | 2020-09-11 | 中核核电运行管理有限公司 | Heavy water reactor spent fuel dry-type storage emergency gripping tool |
| CN112567475A (en) * | 2018-07-24 | 2021-03-26 | 赛夫公司 | Fuel assembly handling apparatus and handling assembly comprising such apparatus |
-
1987
- 1987-05-08 CA CA000536683A patent/CA1258926A/en not_active Expired
Cited By (3)
| Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| CN112567475A (en) * | 2018-07-24 | 2021-03-26 | 赛夫公司 | Fuel assembly handling apparatus and handling assembly comprising such apparatus |
| CN110689979A (en) * | 2019-10-28 | 2020-01-14 | 中核核电运行管理有限公司 | Underwater emergency grabbing device for cobalt isotope rod bundle |
| CN111653374A (en) * | 2020-05-25 | 2020-09-11 | 中核核电运行管理有限公司 | Heavy water reactor spent fuel dry-type storage emergency gripping tool |
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