LINE FOR ASSEMBLING FUEL ELEMENTS TO FUEL ASSEMBLIES Russian patent published in 2002 - IPC

FIELD: mechanical assembling processes, particularly machines for assembling fuel elements to fuel assemblies, mainly for power nuclear reactors. SUBSTANCE: line includes at least one welding apparatus for resistance welding. Said apparatus is mounted in parallel with one assembling machine with possibility of motion relative to it. Power source of welding apparatus is connected by means of coaxial cable directly with welding tongs. Said tongs have stationary and movable cantilever type electrode holders. Stationary electrode holder serves as guide for movable electrode holder; contour of its cantilever at side of electrode mounting corresponds to surface contour of guiding duct to which parts are welded and it has dielectric insert whose eccentricity value is equal to displacement value of welded faces of parts relative to diametrical plane of guiding duct to which parts are welded. A part of coaxial cable in zone of welding tongs serves simultaneously as additional handle of welding tongs. Such structure provides non-detachable rigid carcasses of fuel assemblies. EFFECT: elimination of shifting, skewing of spacing grids along tubular guiding ducts at manufacture and operation of fuel assemblies. 3 dwg