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Fuel Push Tool
The Project
For a variety of reactor core inspection and maintenance activities, fuel bundles must first be temporarily removed from their channels. These operations take place with the reactor in a temporary shutdown mode, while cooling water continues to circulate through the core. This operation requires a tool interface between the delicate fuel bundles, and the telescopic hydraulic rams that traverse the channel and push the fuel. Although the function of the tool appears simple, few reactor operations require more careful consideration than handling irradiated fuel bundle within the reactor core.
The Solution
The Fuel Push Tool (FPT) attaches to the hydraulic push ram using a bayonet style connector. Part of this interface end of the FTP is an ASME Sec III Class 1 component. The ram end of the FTP also has a Ball and Socket plus Swivel Pin type joint that provides deflection capability to allow the FTP to traverse through sagged channels. The fuel bundle end of the FPT terminates in a plate with cutouts to emulate the endplate of the mating bundle. The cross-sectional flow area at all points of the FTP are equal to or greater than that of a fuel bundle, to ensure that critical cooling flow in the channel is not restricted. The FTP, including its o-rings, is designed to operate in radiation fields of 106 rads. Bronze bushings are used to prevent sliding damage to the channel, and all fasteners are locked to ensure that no loose parts are released to the reactor system. The FTP is structurally designed to resist the full stalled force that could be exerted by the hydraulic rams.
Numet Responsibility Highlights
- Stress and Frictional analysis
- ASME Sec III Class 1 design
- High radiation design environment
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