Patent Number: 052308618
Section: abstract

A fuel assembly for a light-water nuclear reactor includes a plurality of vertical fuel rods (10, 42) which are arranged, in spaced relationship in a lateral direction, between a bottom tie plate (11, 44) and a top tie plate (12, 43), the bottom tie plate, defining through-going vertical channels (50) for conducting water through the bottom tie plate and into the spaces between the fuel rods. The bottom tie plate also defines horizontal channels (51, 52) which cross the vertical channels and which are preferably arranged, at edges (54) on the bottom tie plate, in open communication with the spaces between the fuel rods. Helical springs (61, 62) with horizontal symmetry axis are arranged in at least some of the horizontal channels where the horizontal channels cross the vertical channel so as to trap debris in the water passing upwardly through the through-going vertical channels.