PROCESS OF SPENT FUEL ASSEMBLY LOADING INTO CAPSULE FOR FURTHER STORAGE, AND CAPSULE FOR IMPLEMENTING PROCESS Russian patent published in 2008 - IPC G21F7/00 

FIELD: physics; engines and pumps.

SUBSTANCE: invention concerns process of handling of two-bundle spent fuel assembly of atomic reactor, namely to fuel element bundle loading into capsule for further placement into container for transporting and long-term storage of spent nuclear fuel. Fuel element bundles are set into capsules simultaneously with closing of bundles by a gripping cap. A bundle of fuel elements held in the cap by retention grid is placed into gripping device in advance. In order to implement the loading process a capsule is equipped with a gripping cap. Gripping device is a collet carriers holding fuel element bundle together by the retention grid, in which a groove for adapter sleeve is made, that prevents collet opening. Gripping cap is equipped with a locking device in the form of spring split collar set in the annular groove for fixation of the cap in the capsule shell. At the capsule bottom face a vertical tubular damper capable of energy absorption if the capsule falls on its bottom face is attached.

EFFECT: wider technological capabilities of capsule cap; faster loading and unloading of bundle of spent fuel elements; better reliability and radiation safety.

8 cl, 6 dwg