Fuel element support system - for nuclear reactor core channels ie in moderator blocks

摘要

A number of axially parallel, radial centralizing ribs on the inside wall of the channel extend only to a proportion of the total height and have sloping top edges. Corresponding short ribs, with mating sloping edges are formed on the top end of the fuel rod, the combined length of each pair of ribs equalling the total channel and rod lengths. Angular alignment is maintained by an extended tongue on one of the ribs on the rod, mating with a corresponding groove in the channel wall, by feet on the channel ribs locating in base recesses on the rod or by lugs on the base wall of the rod locating on the sides of the channel ribs. There is no wasted fuel rod length for fixings.