Device for fixing a fuel array to the lower core-supporting plate in a nuclear reactor

摘要

Device for fixing a fuel assembly to the lower core plate of a nuclear reactor, comprising a fastening element (23) fixed to the lower core plate (18), in the central part of the opening (19) in this plate (18) corresponding to the assembly, an expandable sleeve fixed to the lower end (3) of the assembly in its central part, a guide tube (10) passing through the assembly in its central part in the axial direction, a rod (25) mounted for sliding movement in the tube (10) and fixed to an oval locking knob (38), and a socket (26) fixed to the upper end of the bar (25) and having a gripping surface for a lifting tool. The fastening element has an axial opening (31) for engagement of the expandable sleeve. The bar (25) and the socket (26) allow displacement of the oval knob (38) between service and out-of-service positions in which the latter spreads the expandable sleeve inside the opening (31) in order to fix the assembly.