METHOD OF PRODUCING ISOTOPES (VERSIONS), SYSTEM FOR PRODUCING ISOTOPES AND NUCLEAR FUEL ASSEMBLY Russian patent published in 2015 - IPC G21G4/00 

FIELD: physics, atomic power.

SUBSTANCE: invention relates to methods and apparatus for producing isotopes within water rods of nuclear fuel assemblies. The methods include selecting desired irradiation target based on the properties of the target, loading the target into a target rod based on irradiation target and fuel assembly properties, exposing the target rod to neutron flux and/or harvesting isotopes produced from the irradiation target from the target rod. Target rods may house one or more irradiation targets of different types and phases. Fastening devices include a ledge collar and/or bushing that supports target rods within a water rod and permit moderator/coolant flow through the water rod. Other versions of the fastening devices include one or more washers with one or more openings drilled therein to hold one or more target rods of the version in a water rod while permitting coolant/moderator to flow through the water rod.

EFFECT: efficient production of desired isotopes.

12 cl, 6 dwg