Container-loading cask for at least one nuclear fuel assembly, a gripping device and loading method

A method for loading a container with a nuclear fuel assembly, including the following steps:

• a) placing a cask for loading at least one nuclear fuel assembly in a transport container, including a body with a longitudinal axis configured to cover sealably an upper end of a container, at least one aperture for letting through a fuel assembly, and at least one means configured to maintain a plug for sealing a chamber of the container inside the cask and at a distance from one entrance of said chamber during loading, wherein the maintaining means includes a first arm rotationally mobile around a first axis and a second arm attached to the first arm and rotationally mobile relatively to the first arm, said cask also including an external control device for controlling the arms, and wherein the second arm includes a housing for receiving the sealing plug, on the upper end of a container,
• b) connecting dynamic confinement means in a lower portion of the container in order to create an air flow towards the inside of the container,
• c) removing the plug for the pneumatic tool and placing the pneumatic tool,
• d) removing the plug from the first cell,
• e) placing an assembly in the first cell,
• f) replacing the plug of the first cell,
• g) repeating steps d) to f) if necessary, for loading other assemblies in the other cells,
• h) removing the pneumatic tool and replacing the plug for the pneumatic tool,
• i) disconnecting the dynamic confinement means, and
• j) removing the cask.