Stacking machine for fissile pellets - forming close packed columns for insertion into fuel element containment

摘要

Stacking machine for effecting a column assembly of pre-determined quantities of hopper fed cylindrical pellets between two parallel contra-rotating rollers incorporates anti-buckling features and measuring devices. The rollers are motor and gear driven and have an adjustable downward angle of inclination to take advantage of gravity to the formation of a dense packed pellet column in the groove formed by the circular faces of the rollers. The column butts against a removable end stop and with the rollers stationary the whole assembly is elevated to align the column with a separately mounted containment. Used in the production of fuel element assemblies. Reduces the fuel element assembly time by 65% with consequent reduction in exposure to active materials of operating personnel. Roller action promotes removal of dust and small particles and ensures clean assembly of fuel elements.