Handling device for fuel elements in pool reactor - runs on a pair of vertically-spaced rails in and above water in pool close to core

摘要

Pool reactor has a core comprising vertical fuel elements arranged in mutually perpendicular rows. An experimentation assembly occupies part of the upper face of the core. Two horizontal rails are located just above the pool surface and parallel to the rows in one direction. Two second rails parallel to the first are located on either side of the core in the water, and a handling device with an upper and a lower rail on one or other side of the core. The device has an upper and a lower table rigidly coupled and having rollers running on the respective rails. A trolley carrying a grab is movable vertically between the two tables. All movements are controlled from the upper table. The reactor is used for experimental work. In e.g. irradiation experiments where it is desired to increase the power of the reactor, one can either increase the number of elements or the size of each. With the present device, heavy fuel elements can readily be handled, and handling elements can be accomplished without encroaching on the area used for experimental work above the upper surface of the reactor core.