Fuel element for a light-water nuclear reactor

A fuel assembly for a light-water nuclear reactor comprising a bottom tie plate having through-holes therethrough, a top tie plate having through-holes therethrough, a plurality of vertical fuel rods extending between the bottom tie plate and the top tie plate, an inlet nozzle for directing coolant upwardly to said bottom tie plate so as to pass through said bottom tie plate, past said vertical fuel rods and through said top tie plate, said inlet nozzle defining a central vertical axis, and a debris catcher fixedly positioned within said inlet nozzle, said debris catcher comprising a support means for supporting at least one helical spring, said support means defining a channel which encircles said central vertical axis and extends in a first plane which is substantially perpendicular to said central vertical axis, and a helical spring fixedly positioned within said channel so as to extend in said first plane and trap debris in said coolant passing therethrough.