Patent ID: 6577698
Filing Date: 2003-06-10
Classification: G21C,Y02E

Abstract:
An installation for loading nuclear fuel assemblies each comprising a skeleton structure defining parallel locations for receiving fuel rods distributed in sheets in a predetermined distribution, said installation comprising:a rigid skeleton-receiving structure for receiving a skeleton structure in horizontal position; a rod-receiving magazine sized for receiving fuel rods for loading in a disposition that corresponds to the predetermined disposition of said fuel rods in a particular one of said fuel assemblies; and a fuel rod pulling or pushing bench comprising a set of pulling or pushing elements for sliding a plurality of said fuel rods simultaneously from the magazine into the skeleton structure; wherein said skeleton structure-receiving structure comprises a bench arranged for enabling to securely receive a set of clamps taken from a plurality of sets each corresponding to a particular size of nuclear fuel assembly to be removably fixed by quick coupling and uncoupling means provided with closing and unclosing actuators and said pulling or pushing bench is arranged to receive a block for selecting pulling or pushing elements selected from a plurality of blocks, each block having a disposition of pulling or pushing elements rendered active which corresponds to a particular distribution of said fuel rods in the fuel assembly.