METHOD FOR MANUFACTURING FUEL ELEMENTS AND FUEL ASSEMBLIES Russian patent published in 2004 - IPC

FIELD: nuclear power engineering; manufacture of fuel elements and fuel assemblies for nuclear power reactors. SUBSTANCE: proposed method includes liquid treatment of fuel element surface upon sealing by resistance butt welding and check-up of welded joint effected in hot aqueous solution of detergent; electric-liquid treatment upon rinsing in hot distilled water environment by ultrasonic processing and in magnetostrictive transducers; after drying and checking for curvature, diameter, and tightness fuel elements are passed through channel in gamma-scanner, weight of pellet stack; and uranium-235 enrichment are determined for each fuel element; out-of-standard enriched fuel pellets are detected, length of pellet stack and of compensating space, as well as pellet clearances are measured, and retainer is checked for availability; fuel elements in good condition are covered with polyvinyl alcohol and dried out to form protective film, whereupon they are stored in fuel assembly in disassembled condition or stored in assembled condition in fuel assembly; grease and protective film are removed by rinsing prior to packing in sealed container wherein fuel assemblies are locked at ends and side surfaces using locking members. Liquid treatment of fuel element surface in hot aqueous solution of detergent and electric liquid treatment in hot distilled water environment is made at temperature of 80 - 90 C. EFFECT: enhanced quality and yield of fuel elements and fuel assemblies; reduced cost. 3 cl, 5 dwg