Method and device for loading nuclear fuel pellets

Method for loading nuclear fuel pellets (6) in successive columns (12) into a cladding (2) previously provided with a first plug (3) at one of its two ends, comprising the following associated operations:

• presenting, centring and aligning the pellets (6) of a column (12) from a support (38) to the open end (34) of the cladding (2);
• and
• characterised in that, for loading of the pellets (6), the following are performed:
• correction of off-centrings between the support (38) and the open end (34) of the cladding (2), and alignment of the axis of the pellets (6) with the axis of the cladding (2), by means of a channel (42), the bottom of which has a V-shaped profile in a continuous ramp and intersecting with a cylindrical output (48) with the diameter of the pellets (6);
• centring of the cladding (2) in a chamber (49) centred on the cylindrical output (48) of the channel (42);
• masking of the open end (34) of the cladding (2) from the pellet (6) in the process of being loaded;
• trapping and/or collection and/or forcing back of dust and chips conveyed by and/or adhering to the pellets (6) loaded, and/or generated by the presentation, centring and alignment operations, via the free sections between pellets (6) and walls of the channel (42) and/or via clearances, by gravity deposition and optionally by additional blowing and/or suction.