DEVICE AND METHOD FOR REPLACING AN IRRADIATED FUEL ASSEMBLY WITH A NEW FUEL ASSEMBLY IN THE VESSEL OF A NUCLEAR REACTOR, AND NUCLEAR REACTOR INCLUDING SUCH A DEVICE

摘要

The invention relates to a device and method for replacing an irradiated fuel assembly with a new fuel assembly in the vessel of a nuclear reactor. The device comprises: a means for introducing the two fuel assemblies into two containers containing a coolant, wherein the first container is filled with the irradiated assembly to be removed from the reactor core by a manipulator arm, and the second container is filled with the new fuel assembly supplied using a transfer basket; and a means for positioning the two containers, the irradiated fuel assembly being accessible via the transfer basket while the new fuel assembly is in position to be recovered by the manipulator arm of the means for introducing the two fuel assemblies.