Core refueling subsystem design description. Revision 1.

摘要

The Core Refueling Subsystem of the Fuel Handling and Storage System provides the mechanisms and tools necessary for the removal and replacement of the hexagonal elements which comprise the reactor core. The Core Refueling Subsystem is not 'safety-related.' The Core Refueling Subsystem equipment is used to prepare the plant for element removal and replacement, install the machines which handle the elements, maintain control of air inleakage and radiation release, transport the elements between the core and storage, and control the automatic and manual operations of the machines. Much of the element handling is performed inside the vessel, and the entire exchange of elements between storage and core is performed with the elements in a helium atmosphere. The core refueling operations are conducted with the reactor module shutdown and the primary coolant pressure slightly subatmospheric. The subsystem is capable of accomplishing the refueling in a reliable manner commensurate with the plant availability requirement.