Korea Atomic Energy Research Institute

Korea Hydro Nuclear Power Co., Ltd.

Soo Sung Kim

Kun Woo Song

Kee Nam Song

An apparatus and method for welding strap connections between inner grid straps of a spacer grid using a laser tool, and a spacer grid manufactured by the same, in which the strap connections between the inner grid straps of the spacer grid are seam-welded continuously or intermittently using the laser tool, so that the structural strength of the spacer grid is increased, a spattering phenomenon, in which a welded material is spattered during welding, is reduced, and thermal deformation is reduced. Further, fine welding is possible, and thus the welded bead of each strap connection between the inner grid straps can have a small size, and the number of welding defects can be reduced. In addition, the flow resistance of a coolant is reduced, and thereby the pressure drop of the coolant can be reduced As a result, the load on a flow pump for the coolant can be reduced, and economic efficiency and safety can be improved.

Apparatus and method for welding strap connections between inner grid straps of spacer grid using laser tool, and spacer grid manufactured using the same

Growing community of inventors

Daejeon-si, South Korea

Soo Sung Kim