Patent ID: 6735268
Filing Date: 2004-05-11
Classification: G21C,Y02E

Abstract:
In a nuclear fuel bundle having a plurality of generally parallel, axially extending fuel rods, a plurality of spacers axially spaced from one another for maintaining the fuel rods spaced laterally from one another, and a pair of water rods extending in generally side-by-side parallel relation to said fuel rods and passing through said spacers, a spacer and water rod retention assembly, comprising:a water rod connecting structure carried by one of said spacers and having a slot bounded by opposite structure portions spaced in an axial direction from one another and a pair of oppositely disposed side structure portions between said axially opposite portions perimetrically enclosing said slot, said slot substantially spanning between said water rods, one of said water rods having a tab projecting laterally outwardly thereof and into said slot, said tab having an axial extent engaging said axially opposite structure portions to limit relative axial movement of said one spacer and said one water rod, another of said water rods and one of said side structure portions confining said water rod tab in said slot precluding substantial relative rotational movement between said one spacer and said one water rod.