Advanced Nuclear Fuels Corporation

Adolfo Reparaz

Gary J Busselman

Brian G Haugen

William R Cooke

The fuel rods located in areas of a nuclear reactor core where water jetting damage to the rods can occur are secured together by a clip, in order to change the mass subject to fretting damage. The change of mass changes the amplitude of the induced fuel rod vibration, thus reducing possible fuel rod fretting and/or damage. To repair such damage, the combination of clip(s) and an inert rod are used to replace a damaged fuel rod.

Method for preventing and repairing vibrational damage to nuclear fuel

The fuel rods located in areas of a nuclear reactor core where water jetting damage to the rods can occur are secured together by a clip, in order to change the mass subject to fretting damage. The change of mass changes the amplitude of the induced fuel rod vibration, thus reducing possible fuel rod fretting an/or damage. To repair such damage, the combination of clip(s) and an inert rod are used to replace a damaged fuel rod.

Method and apparatus for preventing and repairing vibrational damage to

Apparatus for removing irradiated clips from an irradiated fuel assembly comprises a remotely operated tool including hydraulic or pneumatic jaws operable for withdrawing a clip from fuel rods, while supporting the portions of the fuel rods both above and below the clip to avoid damaging the rods during removal of a clip, and further including a support tube held captive in a carriage mechanism for moving the tool into positions for either clip removal, or for ejection of a removed clip from the tool into a clip disposal basket.

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Kennewick, WA, United States of America

Adolfo Reparaz