METHOD FOR JOINING FUEL ASSEMBLY CAN TO END PART Russian patent published in 1999 - IPC

FIELD: nuclear reactors. SUBSTANCE: method involves assembly of fuel bundle, installation of end part on support grid, manufacture of can, its connection to head, installation of bundle assembled with end part in can, and their joining together; novelty is that flanges with holes are made on seating points of can and cylindrical projections, on end part which are inserted in mentioned holes on can; slits are made in can ribs in parallel with its longitudinal axis; parts of can edges obtained are spaced apart from longitudinal axis of can keeping within range of elastic strain so as to bring outline of flanges beyond inner flow section of can, or they are pre-stressed through desired angle ; then bundle is placed in can, parts of edges between slits are pressed to seating points of end part with can holes being fitted onto respective cylindrical projections , whereupon they are locked in position with aid of flat-head screws. EFFECT: facilitated assembly and disassembly of fuel assemblies. 2 cl, 1 dwg