Patent Description:
Further, the present invention relates to a method for cutting a core component. <CIT> discloses a cutting tool with parallel expansible fingers with cutting edge for a nuclear fuel assembly end piece.

<CIT> discloses an automatic cutting device for nuclear control rods equipped with a transfer means. A base frame is movable between upper and lower supports. Further, driving means are mounted to the base frame and a plurality of moving members connected to the drive means. A plurality of cutters are mounted on the moving members at regular intervals.

However, the known device is complicated to be operated and requires a lot of power. Further, a contamination of other components of the nuclear power plant has to be avoided. The remaining parts after cutting the core component have to be identifiable. Each control rod has to be cut between <NUM> and <NUM> times.

Object of the invention is to cut a core component of a nuclear power plant in a simple and efficient manner. Further, the cutting device should provide an enhanced security and in particular reduce the contamination of the environment, for example of the water of a pool and the atmosphere.

According to one aspect, a cutting device is provided for cutting a plurality of parallel fingers of at least one core component in a plane orthogonal to the longitudinal axis of the fingers, the fingers being adapted to be introduced into the fuel assembly of a nuclear reactor core, the cutting device comprising:
a first bearing plate comprising a plurality of abutments respectively for a finger to be cut, wherein the cutting device further comprises:
a rotatable cutting plate comprising a corresponding cutting blade for each abutment in the first bearing plate, the rotatable cutting plate being rotatable about a rotating axis between a starting position and a final position in a circumferential direction, the first bearing plate and the cutting plate being parallel to each other, the cutting blades comprising a plurality of groups of cutting blades, wherein for each group of cutting blades the angle between the cutting blades and the corresponding abutments is different to an angle between the cutting blades and the corresponding abutments of any other group of cutting blades.

Further embodiments may relate to one or more of the following features, which may be combined in any technical feasible combination:.

According to another aspect, a method is provided for cutting a plurality of parallel fingers of at least one core component in a plane orthogonal to the longitudinal axis of the fingers with a cutting device according to one of the preceding claims, the fingers being adapted to be introduced into the fuel assembly of a nuclear reactor core, the method comprising:.

Further embodiments may relate to one or more of the following features, which may be combined in any technical feasible combination:
The method further comprises: prior to rotating the cutting plate, activating the sealing device; and during the rotation of the plate, sucking gases from the space around the abutments.

Further advantages, features, aspects and details are evident from the dependent claims, the description and the drawings.

The accompanying drawings relate to embodiments of the invention and are described in the following:.

<FIG> shows a perspective view of a cutting arrangement <NUM> comprising a cutting device <NUM> for core component <NUM> of a nuclear power plant. The core component <NUM> is adapted to be introduced into a fuel assembly of a nuclear reactor core.

The term "above" and "below" are used herein with respect to an arrangement of the cutting device as shown in <FIG>. The same reference signs designate the same components throughout the drawings, even when they are not described again with respect to each drawing.

According to embodiments, the arrangement <NUM> is arranged under water, for example in a depth between <NUM> and <NUM>. For example, the cutting arrangement <NUM> may be placed in a pool, for example a used fuel assembly pool. In some embodiments, the water is slightly acid. For example, the water may be deionized water including boric acid. Further, it should be noted that the cutting arrangement is operated under heavy radiation, for example gamma or beta radiation. The temperature of the water may be between <NUM> and <NUM> degrees Celsius. In other words, the cutting arrangement <NUM> is operated in a contaminated environment.

For example, the core component <NUM> may be a control rod assembly, a neutron source, poisson rods, and/or a flow restrictor. The core component <NUM> comprises a plurality of parallel fingers <NUM> extending in parallel to the longitudinal axis X of the core component <NUM>. In other words, the longitudinal axis of the fingers is parallel to the longitudinal axis X of the core component <NUM>. The core component <NUM> further comprises a holding portion <NUM>, which is also called spider.

The fingers <NUM> are fixed to the holding portion <NUM>. In an embodiment, about <NUM> to <NUM> fingers <NUM> are fixed to the holding portion <NUM>, in particular between <NUM> and <NUM> fingers. Each finger has a diameter of about <NUM>. The fingers may be filled with another material, for example neutron absorbing material, or may be solid.

According to embodiments, the fingers <NUM> are made of zirconium, stainless steel, an alloy of zirconium or an alloy of stainless steel.

The fingers <NUM> have usually a length of about <NUM> to <NUM>. In other embodiments, the fingers <NUM> may have a length of about <NUM> to <NUM>.

In some embodiments, the fingers <NUM> are arranged, in a section orthogonal to the longitudinal direction, point symmetrical with respect to the longitudinal axis X of the core component X.

A damping element <NUM> is provided in the core component <NUM>, in particular at the holding portion <NUM>, in particular at the longitudinal axis X. According to embodiments, the damping element <NUM> covers about 4x4 to 5x5 of the fuel rods of the fuel assembly. In this area, no fingers of the core component <NUM> are provided.

In an embodiment, instead of a core component <NUM> comprising a plurality of fingers <NUM>, a plurality of fingers <NUM> may be hold in parallel to each other by a gripping device comprising a plurality of grippers for holding the plurality of fingers in parallel. In other words, the longitudinal axis of the fingers is parallel. The plurality of fingers <NUM> may be originating from one or more core components <NUM>. The gripping device is then moving the plurality of fingers into the cutting device <NUM>.

Alternatively, the cutting arrangement <NUM> may comprise a feeding device for feeding a plurality of fingers <NUM> in parallel towards the cutting device <NUM>, in particular towards the abutments of the cutting device <NUM>. For example, the feeding device may comprise one or more quiver like containers directing the plurality of fingers <NUM> towards the cutting device <NUM>. The feeding device enables to feed continuously the fingers in parallel towards the cutting device <NUM>. In an embodiment, the feeding device may be arranged above the cutting device. The plurality of fingers <NUM> may be originating from one or more core components <NUM>.

The cutting arrangement <NUM> comprises below the cutting device <NUM> at least one funnel shaped section 14a, 14b, for example two funnel shaped sections 14a, 14b. Each funnel shaped sections 14a, 14b are arranged below a respectively a portion of the fingers <NUM>. There may be also more funnel shaped sections, for example, three or four funnel shaped sections in some embodiments.

For example, a half of the fingers is arranged above a first funnel shaped section 14a and the other half of the fingers <NUM> is arranged above a second funnel shaped section 14b. This enables that only a part of the cut fingers <NUM> fall into the respective funnel shaped sections 14a, 14b. The funnel shaped sections 14a, 14b enable to align the cut portions of the fingers <NUM>.

The lower end or downstream end of the one or more funnel shaped sections 14a, 14b is connected to a respective tube 16a, 16b. The aligned cut portions of the fingers <NUM> are aligned such that they are parallel to the longitudinal axis of the tube section of the one or more tubes 16a, 16b adjacent to the one or more funnel shaped sections 14a, 14b. The one or more tubes 16a, 16b guide the cut portions of the fingers <NUM> each into a respective container 18a, 18b.

The one or more containers 18a, 18b are respectively mounted on a vibrating and inclining device 20a, 20b. The vibrating and inclining device 20a, 20b can incline and/or vibrate the containers 18a, 18b in order to obtain a dense storage of the cut portions of the fingers <NUM>.

Each vibrating and inclining device 20a, 20b is mounted on a carrier structure <NUM>, in particular at a lower end of the carrier structure <NUM>. The cutting device <NUM> is mounted at an upper end of the carrier structure <NUM>. The carrier structure height can be adapted to the canister design is usually in a range of about <NUM> to <NUM>.

In an embodiment, the one or more containers 18a, 18b are directly mounted on the carrier structure <NUM>, in particular if no vibrating and inclining device 20a, 20b is used.

The cutting device <NUM> can be operated with the longitudinal axis X of the core component <NUM> arranged vertically as shown in the Figures or horizontally. The cutting device <NUM> can be also operated at other angles. The one or more funnel shaped sections 14a, 14b are then formed and/or arranged accordingly. In other words, during operation of the cutting device <NUM> the holding portion <NUM> is arranged at the same level as or at a level above the fingers <NUM>.

In one embodiment, the cutting device <NUM> can be operated without any support structure <NUM>. For example, the cutting device <NUM> as arranged directly on the storage racks of spent nuclear fuel.

The cutting device <NUM> according to an embodiment is now described in more detail with respect to <FIG>, <FIG> and <FIG>.

The cutting device <NUM> includes a lower bearing plate <NUM>. The lower bearing plate has for each finger <NUM> a respective hole <NUM>. The hole <NUM> has a diameter, which is slightly larger than the diameter of the finger <NUM>. In an embodiment, the hole <NUM> has a circular cross section. For example, the diameter of each hole <NUM> is about <NUM>% larger than the diameter of the respective finger <NUM>. In an embodiment, each hole <NUM> has a diameter of about <NUM> to <NUM>. In some embodiments, the hole <NUM> has a slightly keyhole shape. In such a case, the cut portion of the finger is prevented to be stucked in the hole <NUM>.

A rotatable cutting plate <NUM> is arranged above and adjacent to the lower bearing plate <NUM>. The rotatable cutting plate <NUM> has at its outer circumference a plurality of ears <NUM> extending in radial direction. In the example shown, four ears <NUM> are shown. However, the cutting plate <NUM> may comprise more or less ears, for example, two, three, five or six ears <NUM>. The rotating cutting plate <NUM> rotates about a rotating axis Y, which corresponds to the longitudinal axis X when the core component <NUM> is inserted into the cutting device <NUM>. According to embodiments, a single cutting plate <NUM> is used. In another embodiment, the cutting plate <NUM> is formed by a plurality of subplates that are fixed together during operation of the cutting device <NUM>. In other words, the subplates are in a fixed relation to each other each.

Thus, the cutting device may be operated such that the rotating axis Y is arranged horizontally or vertically. The cutting device <NUM> can be also operated at other angles. During operation, the lower bearing plate <NUM> is therefore at the same level or below cutting plate <NUM>.

The upper and lower surfaces of the lower bearing plate <NUM> and/or the cutting plate <NUM> extend in parallel to each other and are orthogonal to the rotating axis Y. In other words, the lower bearing plate <NUM> and the cutting plate <NUM> are parallel to each other.

The cutting device <NUM> further comprises a plurality of cylinders, for example hydraulic cylinders <NUM> for rotating or moving the cutting plate <NUM>. In <FIG>, four cylinders <NUM> are shown. However, the cutting device <NUM> may comprise more or less cylinders <NUM>, for example, two, three, five or six cylinders <NUM>.

Each cylinder <NUM> is connected via its piston <NUM> to respectively one of the ears <NUM>.

The cylinders <NUM> are driven with a hydraulic liquid for example water. A hydraulic cylinder enables to have high cutting forces. In other embodiments, the cylinders may be driven manually, pneumatically or electrically.

According to embodiments, the cutting plate <NUM> could be rotated by the cylinders <NUM> about the rotating axis Y about between <NUM> and <NUM> degrees, for example <NUM> degrees. The cylinders <NUM> are adapted to drive the respective pistons <NUM> with a reciprocating movement. For example, the cutting plate <NUM> is rotatable between a starting position and a final position in a circumferential direction C. After reaching the final position, the cylinders can move the cutting plate <NUM> back to the starting position.

According to embodiments, the cutting plate <NUM> has the form of a disc, in particular a circular disc, in particular with the one or more ears <NUM> protruding outwardly.

In some embodiments, the cutting plate <NUM> is hold by one or more radial bearings <NUM> holding the cutting plate <NUM> in radial direction. For example, the cutting device <NUM> comprises two or more radial bearings <NUM>, which are placed opposite from each other and/or at regular intervals around the circumferential direction C.

Generally, a roller bearing or a sliding bearing is used for the cutting plate <NUM>.

<FIG> shows the cutting device <NUM> in a top view. The cutting plate <NUM> comprises a plurality of cutting blades 42a, 42b, 42c. In particular, for each finger <NUM> of the core component <NUM> a separate cutting blade 42a, 42b, 42c is provided.

The cutting plate <NUM> further comprises adjacent to each of the cutting blades 42a, 42b, 42c a respective hole 44a, 44b, 44c. The cutting blades 42a, 42b, 42c are provided respectively at the same end of the respective holes 44a, 44b, 44c in the circumferential direction C.

The cutting blades 42a, 42b, 42c are formed and/or arranged such that they are able to cut a finger <NUM>, when the cutting plate <NUM> is rotated in the circumferential direction C. In other words, the cutting plate <NUM> is adapted to cut, in particular the fingers <NUM>, if the cutting plate <NUM> is rotated in the circumferential direction C.

The cutting device <NUM> comprises a first upper bearing plate <NUM> above and adjacent to the cutting plate <NUM>. In <FIG> only a portion of the first upper bearing plate <NUM> is shown in order to enable a view on the cutting plate <NUM>. However, the first upper bearing plate <NUM> covers completely the cutting plate <NUM>.

The upper and lower surfaces of the first upper bearing plate <NUM> and/or the cutting plate <NUM> extend in parallel to each other and are orthogonal to the rotating axis Y. In other words, the first upper bearing plate <NUM> and the cutting plate <NUM> are parallel to each other.

Further, there is provided a second upper bearing plate <NUM> above the first upper bearing plate <NUM>. The first and second upper bearing plates <NUM>, <NUM> are spaced apart from each other.

The upper and lower surfaces of the first and second upper bearing plates <NUM>, <NUM> extend in parallel to each other and are orthogonal to the rotating axis Y. In other words, the first upper bearing plate <NUM> and the second upper bearing plate <NUM> are parallel to each other.

Each upper bearing plate <NUM>, <NUM> comprises a plurality of holes <NUM>, <NUM> for the fingers of the core component.

According to an embodiment, the first upper bearing plate <NUM> comprises for each finger <NUM> a respective hole <NUM>. The diameter of each hole <NUM> is slightly larger than the diameter of the fingers <NUM>. For example, the diameter of each hole <NUM> is about <NUM>% larger than the diameter of the respective finger <NUM>. In an embodiment, each hole <NUM> has a diameter of about <NUM> to <NUM> to be adapted to the specific diameter of the finger <NUM> to be cut.

In some embodiments, which may be combined with other embodiments disclosed herein, the first upper bearing plate <NUM> has for each finger <NUM> of the core component a respective abutment <NUM>. The abutment <NUM> is provided to hold the finger <NUM> fixed when the cutting plate <NUM> is rotated in the circumferential direction C and the cutting blade attacks the respective finger <NUM>. The abutments <NUM> are provided, such that they are facing into a direction opposite to the circumferential direction C. In other words, the abutments <NUM> are provided such that they are facing into a direction opposite to the direction the cutting plate <NUM> is moving from the starting position to the final position. According to embodiments, the abutments <NUM> are provided at an inner surface of the holes <NUM>.

In an embodiment, which may be combined with other embodiments disclosed herein, the lower bearing plate <NUM> has for each finger <NUM> of the core component a respective abutment <NUM>. The abutment <NUM> is provided to hold the finger <NUM> fixed when the cutting plate <NUM> is rotated in the circumferential direction C and the cutting blade attacks the respective finger <NUM>. The abutments <NUM> are provided, such that they are facing into a direction opposite to the circumferential direction C. In other words, the abutments <NUM> are provided such that they are facing into a direction opposite to the direction the cutting plate <NUM> is moving from the starting position to the final position. According to embodiments, the abutments <NUM> are provided at an inner surface of the holes <NUM>.

According to an embodiment, the second upper bearing plate <NUM> comprises for each finger <NUM> a respective hole <NUM>. The diameter of each hole <NUM> is slightly larger than the diameter of the fingers <NUM>. For example, the diameter of each hole <NUM> is about <NUM>% larger than the diameter of the respective finger <NUM>. In an embodiment, each hole <NUM> has a diameter of about <NUM> to <NUM> to be adapted to the specific diameter of the finger <NUM> to be cut.

As the first upper bearing plate <NUM> and/or the lower bearing plate <NUM> comprises a number of holes <NUM>, <NUM> and/or abutments <NUM>, <NUM> corresponding to the number of fingers <NUM>, the number and/or arrangement of the cutting blades 42a, 42b, 42c of the cutting plate <NUM> corresponds to the number of holes <NUM>, <NUM> and/or abutments <NUM>, <NUM> in the first upper bearing plate <NUM> and/or the lower bearing plate <NUM>.

According to embodiments, the cutting plate <NUM> is sandwiched between the lower bearing plate <NUM> and the first upper bearing plate <NUM>. Further, in radial direction the cutting plate <NUM> is hold by the one or more radial bearings <NUM>. Thus, the cutting pate <NUM> is guided radially and axially. In particular, the cutting plate <NUM> performs a guided movement between the starting position and the final position.

Each abutment <NUM>, <NUM> of the lower bearing plate <NUM> and/or the first upper bearing plate <NUM> has a corresponding cutting blade 42a, 42b, 42c of the cutting plate <NUM>. Each abutment <NUM>, <NUM> of the lower bearing plate <NUM> and/or the first upper bearing plate <NUM> and its corresponding cutting blade 42a, 42b, 42c operate together during the cut of a respective finger <NUM>. Each abutment <NUM>, <NUM> inhibit a movement of the respective inserted finger <NUM> in the circumferential direction C when the corresponding cutting blade 42a, 42b, 42c attacks said finger <NUM>.

According to embodiments, the cutting blades 42a, 42b, 42c comprise a plurality of groups of cutting blades. For example, the cutting blades 42a, 42b, 42c comprise two, three, four or five groups of cutting blades 42a, 42b, 42c.

In the starting position of the cutting plate <NUM>, each cutting blade 42a, 42b, 42c, in particular their cutting face <NUM> in circumferential direction C, has an angle α or angular distance with respect to the corresponding abutment <NUM>, <NUM> of the lower bearing plate <NUM> and/or the first upper bearing plate <NUM>. The angle is determined from the rotating axis Y. For the sake of simplicity, only one angle α is shown in <FIG>.

In the embodiment shown in <FIG>, the holes 44a, 44b, 44c have an end being opposite to the cutting blades 42a, 42b, 42c in circular direction C. That end having a surface <NUM> facing in opposite direction of the circumferential direction. In the starting position of the cutting plate <NUM>, the surface <NUM> is aligned, in the circular direction C, with the corresponding abutments <NUM>, <NUM> of the first upper bearing plate <NUM> and/or the lower bearing plate <NUM>.

Even though a surface <NUM> is shown in <FIG>, it is evident from the principle that it is not necessary that the holes 44a, 44b, 44c have a surface <NUM> aligned with the corresponding abutments <NUM>, <NUM> in the starting position. Rather, the angle or distance between the abutments <NUM>, <NUM> and the corresponding cutting blades 42a, 42b, <NUM> in the starting position of the cutting plate <NUM> is essential for the functioning. <FIG> thus helps to understand the working principle shown with respect to a non-limiting specific embodiment.

As it can be seen with respect to <FIG>, in the starting position of the cutting plate <NUM>, a first group of cutting blades 42a being positioned at a different angle to the respective corresponding abutment <NUM>, <NUM> compared to the angle between a second group of cutting blades 42b, 42c and their respective corresponding abutments <NUM>, <NUM>. In an embodiment, a first group of cutting blades 42a being positioned at a first angle to their respective corresponding abutment <NUM>, <NUM>, the second group of cutting blades 42b being positioned at a second angle to their respective corresponding abutment <NUM>, <NUM>, and a third group of cutting blades 42c being positioned at a third angle to their respective corresponding abutment <NUM>, <NUM>, wherein the first angle is different to the second angle or the third angle, and the third angle is different to the second angle. In other words, for each group of cutting blades the angle between the cutting blades 42a, 42b, 42c, in particular their cutting face <NUM> in circumferential direction C, and the corresponding abutments <NUM>, <NUM> is different to an angle between the cutting blades 42a, 42b, 42c, in particular their cutting face <NUM> in circumferential direction C, and the corresponding abutments <NUM>, <NUM> of any other group of cutting blades 42a, 42b, 42c.

According to an embodiment, the in the starting position the first group of cutting blades 42a being positioned at a different distance, in particular in circumferential direction, to the respective corresponding abutment <NUM>, <NUM> compared to the distance, in particular in circumferential direction, between a second group of cutting blades 42b, 42c and their respective corresponding abutments <NUM>, <NUM>. In an embodiment, a first group of cutting blades 42a being positioned at a first distance, in particular in circumferential direction, to their respective corresponding abutment <NUM>, <NUM>, the second group of cutting blades 42b being positioned at a second distance, in particular in circumferential direction, to their respective corresponding abutment <NUM>, <NUM>, and a third group of cutting blades 42c being positioned at a third distance, in particular in circumferential direction, to their respective corresponding abutment <NUM>, <NUM>, wherein the first distance is different to the second distance or the third distance, and the third distance being different to the second distance. In other words for each group of cutting blades the distance, in particular in circumferential direction, between the cutting blades 42a, 42b, 42c, in particular their cutting face <NUM> in circumferential direction C, and the corresponding abutments <NUM>, <NUM> is different to a distance, in particular in circumferential direction, between the cutting blades 42a, 42b, 42c, in particular their cutting face <NUM> in circumferential direction C, and the corresponding abutments <NUM>, <NUM> of any other group of cutting blades.

Thus, when a plurality of fingers <NUM> are inserted in the holes of the first upper bearing plate <NUM> and/or the lower bearing plate <NUM> and the cutting plate <NUM> is rotated from the starting position to the final position, a first group of fingers <NUM> is cut first, a second group of fingers is cut subsequently and a third group of fingers <NUM> is cut finally.

In <FIG>, the first group cutting blades comprises cutting blades 42a, a second group of cutting blades include cutting blades 42b and the third group of cutting blades include cutting blades 42c. According to embodiments, the number of groups of cutting blades is not limited to three, but there may be only two groups of cutting blades, or four, five or six groups of cutting blades.

In case the surface <NUM> is aligned with the abutments <NUM>, <NUM> in the starting position of the cutting plate <NUM>, for each group of cutting blades the holes 44a, 44b, 44c of the cutting plates <NUM> present a different length in the circumferential direction C compared to the length of holes 44a, 44b, 44c of any other group of cutting blades 42a, 42b, 42c.

<FIG> shows schematically a portion of the cutting device <NUM> in a sectional view. As it can be seen, there is arranged a respectively a sleeve <NUM> between each hole <NUM> of the first upper bearing plate <NUM> and the corresponding hole <NUM> the second upper bearing plate <NUM>. The hole <NUM> and the corresponding hole <NUM> are arranged above each other or aligned in axial direction of the rotational axis Y. In other words, the respective passages <NUM> of the sleeves <NUM> is aligned to the holes <NUM>, <NUM> and/or <NUM> of the lower bearing plate <NUM>, the first upper bearing plate <NUM> and/or the second upper bearing plate <NUM>. In embodiments, the respective passages <NUM> of the sleeves <NUM> is aligned to the abutments <NUM>, <NUM> of the lower bearing plate <NUM> and/or the first upper bearing plate <NUM>.

The sleeves <NUM> are adapted to enclose tightly the finger <NUM> of the core component <NUM>. For that purpose, a passage <NUM> of the sleeve <NUM> has a diameter which can be slightly smaller than the outer diameter of the fingers <NUM>. The sleeves <NUM> seals the lower portion of the cutting device <NUM>, including in particular the cutting plate <NUM> and the first upper bearing plate <NUM> from an upper portion of the cutting device <NUM> comprising the second upper bearing plate <NUM>.

The sleeves <NUM> are made of flexible and/or elastic material, for example rubber, silicone, natural rubber, and the like.

The sleeves <NUM> are adapted to catch at least a part, in particular the majority, of the radiolytic gases escaping during the cutting of the fingers <NUM>. For example, the radiolytic gases are present inside the respective fingers <NUM>.

The sleeves <NUM> may be integrated in a sealing plate covering the first upper bearing plate <NUM>, in particular at least a portion of the first upper bearing plate <NUM> including the holes <NUM>.

The gases are then sucked away by a respective device, as it will be explained later. For example, a waterjet pump may be used for that purpose.

The sleeves <NUM> and/or the sealing plate incorporating the sleeves <NUM> form therefore a sealing device. The sleeves <NUM> may be formed integrally with the sealing plate.

<FIG> and <FIG> shows schematically a portion of the cutting device <NUM> in a sectional view of another embodiment. The cutting device includes a sleeve <NUM>'. The sleeve <NUM>' has a passage <NUM>' with a diameter, which corresponds substantially to the diameter of the holes <NUM>, <NUM> of the first upper bearing plate <NUM> and the second upper bearing plate <NUM> or it may be slightly larger. The diameter of the passage <NUM>' may be also called inner diameter of the sleeve <NUM>'.

There is arranged a respectively a sleeve <NUM>' between each hole <NUM> of the first upper bearing plate <NUM> and the corresponding hole <NUM> the second upper bearing plate <NUM>. The hole <NUM> and the corresponding hole <NUM> are arranged above each other or are aligned in axial direction Y. In other words, the respective passages <NUM>' of the sleeves <NUM>' is aligned to the holes <NUM>, <NUM> and/or <NUM> of the lower bearing plate <NUM>, the first upper bearing plate <NUM> and/or the second upper bearing plate <NUM>. In embodiments, the respective passages <NUM>' of the sleeves <NUM>' is aligned to the abutments <NUM>, <NUM> of the lower bearing plate <NUM> and/or the first upper bearing plate <NUM>.

The diameter of the passage <NUM>', in particular in the deactivated state, may be chosen such that a cut finger <NUM> may not accidentally harm or destroy the sleeves <NUM>'.

Upon activation as shown in <FIG>, the inner diameter of the sleeve <NUM>' is reduced. The reduction of the inner diameter is performed pneumatically, electrically, mechanically or hydraulically. The activation is typically performed, after the fingers <NUM> have been inserted into the cutting device <NUM>. For example, the first and second bearing plates <NUM>, <NUM> may have to different positions with respect to each other a first position where they are more distant and a second position where the first and second upper bearing plates <NUM>, <NUM> are approached to each other and thus pressing the sleeve <NUM>' such that it extends inwardly, for example towards an inserted finger <NUM>. For example, the second upper bearing plate <NUM> may be pressed hydraulically towards the first upper bearing plate <NUM>.

When the sleeves <NUM>' are deactivated, the inner diameter retracts to the original position, as shown in <FIG>. In other words, the diameter of the one or more passages (<NUM>') of the sealing device is increased, when the sealing device <NUM>' is deactivated.

The sleeves <NUM>' may be integrated in a sealing plate <NUM> covering the first upper bearing plate <NUM>, in particular at least a portion of the first upper bearing plate <NUM> including the holes <NUM>. In such a case, all sleeves <NUM>' may be activated at the same time. The sleeves <NUM>' may be formed integrally with the sealing plate <NUM>.

For example, in such a case the sleeves <NUM>' may be formed by a sealing plate <NUM> as shown in the <FIG>. In an embodiment, the sealing plate <NUM> is a rubber sealing plate. In an alternative embodiment, the sealing plate <NUM> is formed by a gas-filled cushion. In such a case, by provided pneumatically or hydraulically additional pressure into the cushion or by pressing the cushion, the inner diameter of all the sleeves <NUM>' is reduced at the same time. In other words, all the sleeves <NUM>' are activated at the same time.

The sleeves <NUM>' and/or the sealing plate <NUM> incorporating the sleeves <NUM>' form therefore a sealing device.

<FIG> shows an embodiment of a first upper bearing plate <NUM>', which is arranged below a sealing plate <NUM>. The embodiment of the first upper bearing plate <NUM>' may be used in combination with embodiments disclosed herein.

The upper surface <NUM> of the first upper bearing plate <NUM>' is provided with a plurality of first channels <NUM> fluidly connecting the holes <NUM> to at least one second channel <NUM>. The first channels <NUM> are arranged in the upper surface <NUM>. In other words, in first channels <NUM> guide the gases in directions orthogonal to the rotating axis Y. The at least one second channel <NUM> is formed through the sealing plate <NUM> and, in particular the second upper bearing plate <NUM>. In embodiments without second upper bearing plates <NUM>, the at least one second channel <NUM> is merely formed through the sealing plate <NUM>.

The at least one second channel <NUM> extends parallel to the rotating axis Y.

According to embodiments, there may be two, three or more second channels <NUM>.

In some embodiments, the second channels <NUM> are connected to a suction device.

In an alternative embodiment, the sealing plate <NUM> may be provided with the first channels <NUM> at its lower surface. In another embodiment, the first channels <NUM> are provided inside the first upper bearing plate, in particular in case sealing sleeves <NUM>, <NUM>' are used. In such a case, a specific duct is provided between the first upper bearing plate <NUM> and the suction device and/or the second upper bearing plate <NUM>.

In other words, the channels <NUM>, <NUM> guides the gases from the space around the abutments <NUM>, <NUM>, which are in particular formed in holes <NUM>, <NUM> of the first upper bearing plate <NUM> and the lower bearing plate <NUM> away, in particular to the suction device (not shown).

The arrow in <FIG> shows the flow path <NUM> of the gases through the cutting device <NUM>, in particular through the first upper bearing plate <NUM>' in the first channels and through the sealing plate <NUM> and the second upper bearing plate <NUM> in the second channel <NUM>.

The method for cutting a core component <NUM> having a plurality of fingers <NUM> will be now described with respect to <FIG>.

In a first step <NUM>, the fingers <NUM> of the core component <NUM> is inserted into the cutting device <NUM>. In particular, for inserting the fingers <NUM> into the cutting device the core component is moved along the longitudinal axis X. In other words, each fingers <NUM> of the core component <NUM> is introduced into a respective hole <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM> of the lower bearing plate <NUM>, first upper bearing plate <NUM>, <NUM>' and/or the second upper bearing plate <NUM>.

In the optional step <NUM>, the one or more sealing devices <NUM>', <NUM> are activated. For example, as described above, the second upper bearing plate <NUM> is pressed towards the first upper bearing plate <NUM>, <NUM>', for example using pneumatic or hydraulic devices. Also other possibilities, for example a pneumatic, hydraulic, electric means, may be used to activate the one or more sealing devices <NUM>', <NUM>, as described above.

The cutting region of the fingers <NUM> is thus sealed with respect to the environment. Thus, the gases inside the fingers <NUM>, could be evacuated via the first and/or second channels as described above.

In further step <NUM>, the cutting plate <NUM> is moved or rotated from the starting position to the final position, wherein a first portion of the fingers <NUM> is cut during a first phase of the rotating movement of the cutting plate <NUM> from the starting position to the final position and a second portion of the fingers <NUM> is cut during a second phase of the rotating movement of the cutting plate <NUM> from the starting position to the final position. In further embodiments, the rotating movement of the cutting plate <NUM> from the starting position to the final position may comprise three phases, wherein in the third phase a third portion of the fingers <NUM> is cut. In further embodiments, the movement may include also four, five or six phases, in which respectively a portion of the fingers <NUM> is cut. During the rotating movement of the cutting plate <NUM>, the core component is not moved along the longitudinal axis X.

In some embodiments, each phase starts, when the respective cutting blade 42a, 42b, 42c contacts a finger, and ends, when the finger is cut, for example when the respective cutting blade 42a, 42b, 42c, in particular its cutting face <NUM>, reaches the corresponding abutment <NUM>, <NUM> of the first upper bearing plate <NUM> and/or the lower bearing plate <NUM>. For example, each phase starts, when the respective cutting blade 42a, 42b, 42c reaches the hole <NUM>, <NUM> of the first upper bearing plate <NUM> and/or the lower bearing plate <NUM>.

According to embodiments, which may be combined with other embodiments disclosed herein, the cutting blades 42a, 42b, 42c are arranged on the cutting plate <NUM> such that two subsequent phases for cutting a portion of the fingers <NUM> overlap. For example, a first group of cutting blades starts 42a to cut their fingers when a second group 42b of cutting blades has nearly finished cutting their respective fingers <NUM>. In an embodiment, the distance in a circumferential direction between the cutting blades 42a of a first group of cutting blades and the cutting blades 42b of a second group of cutting blades is less than the diameter of the fingers to be cut and/or the diameter of the hole <NUM>, <NUM> of the first upper bearing plate <NUM> and/or the lower bearing plate <NUM>. In other words, the angle, determined from the rotating axis Y, between the cutting blades 42a of a first group of cutting blades and the cutting blades 42b of a second group of cutting blades is selected, such that two subsequent phases for cutting a portion of the fingers <NUM> overlap. In an embodiment during a first phase only the outer fingers are cut at the same time, for example the outer four fingers <NUM>. For example, the cutting blades 42a are used for that purpose.

Then, a plurality of inner fingers is cut at the same time, four example <NUM> inner fingers <NUM>. For example, the cutting blades 42b are used for that purpose. The fingers to be cut are selected, such that a force applied to the cutting plate <NUM> is equally distributed. In other words, the cutting blades 42b are distributed regularly around the rotating axis Y.

Finally, the remaining <NUM> inner fingers are cut. For example, the cutting blades 42c are used for that purpose. The fingers to be cut are selected, such that a force applied to the cutting plate <NUM> is equally distributed. In other words, the cutting blades 42c are distributed regularly around the rotating axis Y.

In other embodiments, the cutting plate <NUM> is formed such that in each phase, the same number of fingers is cut at the same time, compared to the other phases. The cutting blades are then arranged accordingly as described above. For example, in an embodiment, in each phase four fingers are cut at the same time. Thus, in the example described above, in case of <NUM> fingers, five phases are used for cutting the fingers <NUM>. The cutting plate <NUM> may be formed that also another number of fingers are cut at the same time, for example <NUM>, <NUM> or <NUM> fingers to be cut in each phase.

In other words, during the movement, in particular the rotating movement of the cutting plate only a portion of all fingers <NUM> is cut at the same time and therefore the force required for cutting of the fingers is reduced. During one movement, all fingers <NUM> of the core component <NUM> are cut in several steps. Due to the reduced force, also the components of the cutting device <NUM> used for cutting is less used.

Further, the use of a plurality of cylinders <NUM>, for example two, three or four, the force applied to the cutting plate <NUM> is regularly distributed about the circumference of the cutting plate <NUM>.

During the rotation of the plate, gases from the space around the abutments <NUM>, <NUM> are sucked, in particular through the first and/or second channels <NUM>, <NUM>.

The cutting of the fingers <NUM> will be now described in more detail, in particular in reference to the <FIG>. The cutting of each finger <NUM> is performed in two subphases.

In a first subphase, the fingers <NUM> are quenched, as it can be seen from <FIG> and <FIG>. For that purpose, the cutting face <NUM> of the respective cutting blades 42a, 42b, 42c is not too sharp and in particular adapted to the material of the finger <NUM> to be cut.

In a second subphase after the quenching, the fingers are cut, as it can be seen in <FIG> and <FIG>.

The quenching of the fingers <NUM> enable at least to partially seal the cut surfaces of the fingers <NUM>. In other words, the active area for interaction with the water is reduced. Thus, for example it is avoided or reduced that material inside the fingers <NUM> is escaping from the finger <NUM>. Further, the washing out of material inside the fingers by the water surrounding the cutting device <NUM> is reduced and therefore the contamination of the pool in which the cutting arrangement <NUM> is placed.

Further, as it can be seen in the <FIG>, the lower bearing plate <NUM> and/or the first upper bearing plate <NUM>, <NUM>' enable that the fingers <NUM> are cut and/or quenched without deforming or bending the remaining part of the fingers <NUM>, in particular the parts which have not already been cut above the cutting device <NUM>.

According to an embodiment, the cut portions <NUM> fingers <NUM> have a remaining length of about <NUM>.

The cut portions <NUM> of the fingers <NUM> fall via the one or more funnel shaped sections 14a, 14b and the one or more tubes 16a, 16b into the one or more containers 18a, 18b. As only a portion of the fingers are cut at the same time, the guiding of the cut fingers portions and the filling of the containers 18a, 18b is more coordinated and less chaotic.

After the cutting plate <NUM> has arrived at its final position, the cutting plate <NUM> is moved back to the starting position in step <NUM>. Optionally, then or prior to the backward movement, the at least one sealing device (<NUM>, <NUM>', <NUM>) is deactivated.

In step <NUM>, the fingers <NUM> are further lowered into the cutting device <NUM> in order to cut a further portion from each finger <NUM>. Then the steps <NUM> to <NUM> are repeated until the no portion at the upper end of the fingers <NUM> remain at the upper end.

Claim 1:
Cutting device (<NUM>) for cutting a plurality of parallel fingers (<NUM>) of at least one core component (<NUM>) in a plane orthogonal to the longitudinal axis of the fingers (<NUM>), the fingers (<NUM>) being adapted to be introduced into the fuel assembly of a nuclear reactor core, the cutting device (<NUM>) comprising:
a first bearing plate (<NUM>, <NUM>) comprising a plurality of abutments (<NUM>, <NUM>) respectively for a finger (<NUM>) to be cut, characterized in that the cutting device (<NUM>) further comprises:
a rotatable cutting plate (<NUM>) comprising a corresponding cutting blade (42a, 42b, 42c) for each abutment (<NUM>, <NUM>) in the first bearing plate, the rotatable cutting plate (<NUM>) being rotatable about a rotating axis (Y) between a starting position and a final position in a circumferential direction (C), the first bearing plate (<NUM>, <NUM>) and the cutting plate (<NUM>) being parallel to each other, the cutting blades (42a, 42b, 42c) comprising a plurality of groups of cutting blades (42a, 42b, 42c), wherein for each group of cutting blades (42a, 42b, 42c) the angle between the cutting blades (42a, 42b, 42c) and the corresponding abutments (<NUM>, <NUM>) is different to an angle between the cutting blades (42a, 42b, 42c) and the corresponding abutments (<NUM>, <NUM>) of any other group of cutting blades.