Stuck fuel rod capping sleeve
AssigneeThe United States of America as represented by the United States Department of Energy
InventorsDonald A. Gorscak, John J. Maringo, Roy J. Nilsen
Life of this patent
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Abstract
A stuck fuel rod capping sleeve to be used during derodding of spent fuel assemblies if a fuel rod becomes stuck in a partially withdrawn position and, thus, has to be severed. The capping sleeve has an inner sleeve made of a lower work hardening highly ductile material (e.g., Inconel 600) and an outer sleeve made of a moderately ductile material (e.g., 304 stainless steel). The inner sleeve may be made of an epoxy filler. The capping sleeve is placed on a fuel rod which is then severed by using a bolt cutter device. Upon cutting, the capping sleeve deforms in such a manner as to prevent the gross release of radioactive fuel material
Claims3
A stuck fuel rod capping sleeve comprising:
- an inner cylindrical sleeve made of low work hardening, highly ductile material and having tapered and split end portions;
- an outer cylindrical sleeve made of moderately ductile material and mounted on the inner cylindrical sleeve, the outer cylindrical sleeve having threads located at each end thereof;
- and
- a locking sleeve threaded on each end of the outer cylindrical sleeve, each locking sleeve having threads located on its exterior surface.
A stuck fuel rod capping sleeve comprising:
- an inner cylindrical sleeve made of low work hardening, highly ductile material and having tapered and split end portions;
- an outer cylindrical sleeve made of moderately ductile material and mounted on the inner cylindrical sleeve, the outer cylindrical sleeve having threads located at each end thereof;
- and
- a locking sleeve threaded on each end of the outer cylindrical sleeve, each locking sleeve having a tapered portion formed to cooperate with the tapered and split end portions of the inner cylindrical sleeve.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.