Patent Number: 044434030
Section: abstract

Apparatus for loading and unloading fuel assemblies, for fast neutron nuclear reactors, and in particular for groups of fast neutron nuclear reactors cooled by liquid sodium located on one and the same site. The apparatus is removable as a unit and comprises a lock chamber (25) in the form of a removable and transportable vessel. The vessel (25) contains a pivoting ramp (35) allowing transfer of assemblies between the primary ramp (28) and the secondary ramp (29) of the nuclear reactor. Apertures (26) and (27) corresponding to the ramps (28) and (29) respectively are provided in the wall of the vessel (25) and connecting and isolating apparatuses (30) and (31) allow the lock chamber to be placed in communication with the ramps of the reactor, or conversely to be separated from the reactor and isolated.