Device for magnetically removing a capsule containing Co-60 from a burnable absorber rodlet

An apparatus for removing irradiated burnable absorber (BA) capsules, the apparatus comprising:

• a BA capsule removal module supported by a control arm,
• wherein the BA capsule removal module is positionable via the control arm around a BA rodlet comprising a paramagnetic outer cladding material;
• wherein the BA capsule removal module defines a capsule removal tunnel configured to be slidably positioned around the BA rodlet,
• wherein the capsule removal tunnel defines first and second tunnel openings at corresponding first and second ends of the capsule removal tunnel, and
• wherein the first and second tunnel openings define a distal radius R1 that linearly tapers to a smaller inner radius R2;
• wherein the BA capsule removal module comprises:
• a plurality of bearing columns equidistantly spaced in the capsule removal tunnel,
• wherein the bearing columns comprise bearings configured to contact the BA rodlet positioned inside the capsule removal tunnel, and
• wherein the bearings allow the BA capsule removal module to slidably move along a longitudinal axis of the BA rodlet;
• and
• a solenoid positioned around the capsule removal tunnel and configured to electrically induce an electromagnetic flux in a BA capsule inside of the BA rodlet, wherein the BA capsule comprises a ferromagnetic material,
• wherein the electromagnetic flux magnetically locks the BA capsule to the BA capsule removal module, and
• wherein while locked, axial movement of the BA capsule removal module positioned outside of the BA rodlet results in the axial movement of the BA capsule inside of the BA rodlet.