Nuclear reactor refueling system

A nuclear fuel transfer system including a reactor vessel, fuel assemblies positioned in a first array therein, an inlet and an outlet for circulating a coolant in a heat transfer relationship with said fuel assemblies, a first closure head disposed on said reactor vessel in a fluid tight relationship, and a storage vessel positioned adjacent to said reactor vessel having an inlet and outlet for circulating a coolant therethrough, fuel assemblies positioned in a second array therein, and a second closure head disposed on said storage vessel, said fuel transfer system comprising:

• connecting means disposed between said reactor vessel and said storage vessel for allowing the transfer of said fuel assemblies between said reactor vessel and said storage vessel while said fuel assemblies remain completely submerged in a containuous body of coolant being a single body of coolant occupying and capable of flowing among said reactor vessel, said storage vessel, and said connecting means for cooling said fuel assemblies;
• first fuel assembly transfer means disposed on said first closure head and extending into said reactor vessel for transferring said fuel assemblies between said first array and said storage vessel, said first fuel assembly transfer means including a first pivotable apparatus for holding said fuel assemblies and for aligning said fuel assemblies in a position for transfer through said connecting means;
• and
• second fuel assembly transfer means disposed on said second closure head for transferring said fuel assemblies between said second array and said reactor vessel, said first fuel assembly transfer means cooperating with said second fuel assembly transfer means for transferring said fuel assemblies through said connecting means.