公开(公告)号：US4839136A

公开(公告)日：1989-06-13

申请号：US109832

申请日：1987-10-16

Applicant: Edmund E. DeMario ,  Anders Johansson ,  Olov Nylund

Inventor： Edmund E. DeMario ,  Anders Johansson ,  Olov Nylund

IPC: G21C3/34 ,  F04B49/10 ,  G21C3/356

CPC classification number: G21C3/3566 ,  Y02E30/40

Abstract: A bimetallic spacer for supporting fuel rods in position in a nuclear reactor fuel assembly substantially comprises inner and outer structural elements of a first metallic material and spring elements of a second metallic material. The structural and spring elements together define a lattice, the interstices of which receive the individual fuel rods. The structural elements and spring elements in the spacer are connected together by forming the structural elements with openings and fitting the ends of the spring elements in the openings. At one end of the opening in the structural element, two slots can be provided for forming a tongue-shaped member which is moved aside to make space for the spring element and then moves back when the end of the spring element is in position, thus preventing a possible vertical return movement of the end of the spring element.

Abstract translation: 用于将燃料棒支撑在核反应堆燃料组件中的适当位置的双金属间隔件基本上包括第一金属材料的内部和外部结构元件以及第二金属材料的弹簧元件。 结构和弹簧元件一起限定格子，其间隙接收各个燃料棒。 间隔件中的结构元件和弹簧元件通过形成具有开口的结构元件并将弹簧元件的端部装配在开口中而连接在一起。 在结构元件的开口的一端，可以设置两个槽，用于形成舌状构件，该舌状构件被移动以使空间用于弹簧元件，然后当弹簧元件的端部就位时向后移动，因此 防止弹簧元件的端部的可能的垂直返回运动。

公开(公告)号：US06526116B1

公开(公告)日：2003-02-25

申请号：US08887017

申请日：1997-07-02

Applicant: Quang M. Nguyen ,  Yu C. Lee ,  Edmund E. DeMario ,  Jeffrey J. Fodi ,  Darin L. Redinger ,  Levie D. Smith, III

Inventor： Quang M. Nguyen ,  Yu C. Lee ,  Edmund E. DeMario ,  Jeffrey J. Fodi ,  Darin L. Redinger ,  Levie D. Smith, III

IPC: G21C3322

CPC classification number: G21C3/352 ,  G21C3/322 ,  G21Y2002/302 ,  G21Y2002/303 ,  Y02E30/38

Abstract: A support grid for laterally maintaining the relative position of elongated fuel elements within a fuel assembly for use within a core of a nuclear reactor. The grid is formed in the shape of a lattice with the intersecting lattice members defining a plurality of cells, most of which respectively support the nuclear fuel elements. The remaining cells support nuclear control rod guide tubes and instrumentation thimbles. The cells supporting the nuclear fuel elements are provided with diagonally positioned springs on two, adjacent walls. The springs support the fuel elements against dimples which protrude from the opposite cell walls. The adjacent, diagonal springs in each fuel element cell are inclined in opposite directions. The walls of the cells supporting the control rod guide tubes are embossed along their height at the locations intermediate the intersection between adjoining walls with a concave notch having a curvature which conforms to the outside surface curvature of the control rod guide tubes. The grid is provided with mixing vanes which are positioned in a symmetrical, regional pattern, with the pattern varying between adjacent regions, and configured such that the hydraulic forces across the center of the grid are balanced. The grid is reinforced with welds at the mid point of the intersection of the lattice straps.

Abstract translation: 用于横向维持细长燃料元件在燃料组件内的相对位置以用于核反应堆的核心内的支撑网格。 栅格形成为具有限定多个单元的相交晶格构件的格子形状，其中大部分单元分别支撑核燃料元件。 剩余的电池支持核控制杆导管和仪表套管。 支撑核燃料元件的电池在两个相邻的壁上设置有对角定位的弹簧。 弹簧将燃料元件抵靠从相对的细胞壁突出的凹坑。 每个燃料元件单元中相邻的对角弹簧在相反方向上倾斜。 支撑控制棒引导管的单元的壁在其相邻壁之间的相交处之间的位置处沿着它们的高度被压印，凹槽具有符合控制棒导管的外表面曲率的曲率。 格栅设置有以对称的局部图案定位的混合叶片，其中图案在相邻区域之间变化，并且构造成使得横跨网格中心的液压力平衡。 格栅在格子带交叉点的中点用焊缝加固。

公开(公告)号：US4585615A

公开(公告)日：1986-04-29

申请号：US473516

申请日：1983-03-09

Applicant: Edmund E. DeMario

Inventor： Edmund E. DeMario

IPC: G21C3/356 ,  G21C3/34

CPC classification number: G21C3/3563 ,  Y02E30/40

Abstract: A nuclear fuel spacer grid with improved grid straps. The grid has an egg-crate array of interleaved grid straps creating cells for enclosing the fuel rods. Near beginning of life in the reactor, the grid straps bend in a spring-like manner to flexibly grip the fuel rods with their preferably rigid protrusions. In a cell, the protrusions on two non-opposing grid straps are closed to longitudinal coolant flow while the protrusions on the remaining grid straps associated with the cell are open to such flow. Near end of life the grid straps loose resiliency due to irradiation--induced stress relaxation and the fuel rod has a loose fit against the protrusions due to radiation effects. However, the fuel rod is held in position in the cell by the coolant flow therethrough which forces the fuel rod away from the closed protrusions and into contact with the open protrusions. The protrusions in one cell are coplanar. The protrusions in the cells lie in one of two longitudinally separated planes.

Abstract translation: 具有改进网格带的核燃料间隔网格。 网格具有交错网格带的蛋箱阵列，产生用于封闭燃料棒的电池。 靠近反应堆的生命开始时，网格带以类似弹簧的方式弯曲，以通过其优选的刚性突起来灵活地夹紧燃料棒。 在一个电池中，两个不相对的格栅带上的突起被封闭到纵向冷却剂流，而与电池相关联的剩余网格带上的突起对于这种流动是敞开的。 在寿命近的时候，网格由于辐射诱发的应力松弛而带来松弛的弹性，并且由于辐射效应，燃料棒具有与突起的松动配合。 然而，燃料棒通过其中的冷却剂流动被保持在电池内的位置，这迫使燃料棒远离封闭的突起并与开放的突起接触。 一个电池中的突起是共面的。 电池中的突起位于两个纵向分离的平面之一中。

公开(公告)号：US5479464A

公开(公告)日：1995-12-26

申请号：US298503

申请日：1994-08-30

Applicant: Edmund E. DeMario ,  Charles N. Lawson ,  Raymond G. Zakrzwski ,  Ivan Klima

Inventor： Edmund E. DeMario ,  Charles N. Lawson ,  Raymond G. Zakrzwski ,  Ivan Klima

IPC: G21C3/334 ,  G21C5/06

CPC classification number: G21C3/334 ,  G21Y2002/201 ,  G21Y2002/302 ,  G21Y2002/304 ,  G21Y2004/30 ,  G21Y2004/301 ,  Y02E30/40

Abstract: An expandable top nozzle for a nuclear fuel assembly having zircaloy thimble tubes has a cylindrical barrel and an assembly slidable in the barrel which includes a hub and a thin rod ejection plate fixed in spaced relation to the hub by support tubes through which the control rods extend. The support tubes extend through the hub and a spring retainer plate biased against an annular shoulder in the barrel by helical compression springs concentrically mounted with the support tubes in counterbores in the hub and spring retainer plate. A centrally located instrument guide robe has a spring loaded plunger which extends through the spring retainer plate and sets the height of an RCCA below the top of the barrel despite expansion and compression of the nozzle with changes in thimble robe length relative to the other internals. The top nozzle is removably attached to a fuel assembly by tubular inserts fixed to the thimble robes and having collapsed fingers with an annular outward bulge adjacent the free end. With the collapsed fingers inserted in the apertures in the rod ejection plate, lock tubes are pushed through the support tubes to spread the collapsed fingers of the inserts into engagement with circumferential grooves in the apertures.

Abstract translation: 用于具有锆石顶针管的核燃料组件的可扩展顶部喷嘴具有圆柱形筒体和在筒体中可滑动的组件，该组件包括轮毂和通过支撑管与支承管间隔开固定的细杆弹出板，控制杆通过支撑管延伸 。 支撑管延伸穿过轮毂和弹簧保持板，该弹簧保持板通过同心地安装在支撑管中的螺旋压缩弹簧偏压在筒体中的环形肩部上，该支撑管位于轮毂和弹簧保持板中的沉孔中。 中心位置的仪器导向罩具有弹簧加载的柱塞，其延伸穿过弹簧保持板，并且将RCCA的高度设置在筒的顶部之下，尽管喷嘴的扩张和压缩相对于其它内部件的套管长度的变化。 顶部喷嘴通过固定到套管的管状插入件可拆卸地附接到燃料组件，并且具有邻近自由端的具有环形向外凸起的折叠式手指。 当折叠的手指插入到杆排出板的孔中时，锁定管被推动通过支撑管，以将插入物的折叠的指状物分散成与孔中的周向槽接合。

公开(公告)号：US4803043A

公开(公告)日：1989-02-07

申请号：US125514

申请日：1987-11-25

Applicant: Edmund E. DeMario ,  Bobby D. Street

Inventor： Edmund E. DeMario ,  Bobby D. Street

IPC: G21C3/34 ,  G21C3/356

CPC classification number: G21C3/3563 ,  G21Y2002/201 ,  G21Y2002/303 ,  G21Y2004/30 ,  Y02E30/40

Abstract: A nuclear fuel assembly grid includes a fuel rod engaging spring structure formed on each cell wall section of inner straps being interleaved with outer straps to form a matrix of fuel rod receiving cells in the grid. Each spring structure is composed of a pair of laterally spaced spring leg members each extending vertically and anchored at their respective pairs of opposite ends to the wall section and a fuel rod engaging cross spring member which extends diagonally between and integrally connects to the spring leg members. The leg members and cross member are respectfully curved and arched in configuration along respective longitudinal sections so as to project from the wall section toward the longitudinal axis of the grid cell. Further, the cross spring member is preferably disposed approximately forty-five degrees to the direction of the longitudinal axis of the cell and to the direction of coolant fluid flow through the grid and fuel assembly in which the grid is used. The grid also includes fuel rod engaging dimples formed on each cell wall section of the inner straps. The dimples are oriented diagonally, preferably at forty-five degrees to the direction of the longitudinal axis of the cell.

Abstract translation: 核燃料组件网格包括形成在内带的每个单元壁部分上的燃料棒接合弹簧结构，其与外带交织以形成在电网中接收电池的燃料棒的矩阵。 每个弹簧结构由一对横向间隔开的弹簧腿构件组成，每个弹簧腿构件在它们各自相应的一对端部处垂直延伸并锚固到壁部分，以及燃料棒接合十字弹簧构件，该弹簧构件沿对角线延伸并且一体地连接到弹簧腿构件 。 腿部件和横向构件在相应的纵向部分上被弯曲地拱形成拱形，以从壁部向网格单元的纵向轴线突出。 此外，十字弹簧构件优选地布置成相对于电池的纵向轴线的方向大约四十五度，并且冷却剂流体流过通过电网的电网和燃料组件的方向。 网格还包括形成在内带的每个细胞壁部分上的燃料棒接合凹坑。 凹坑对角地定向，优选地相对于电池的纵向轴线的方向为四十五度。

公开(公告)号：US4744942A

公开(公告)日：1988-05-17

申请号：US872988

申请日：1986-06-11

Applicant: Harry M. Ferrari ,  Elwyn Roberts ,  Edmund E. DeMario

Inventor： Harry M. Ferrari ,  Elwyn Roberts ,  Edmund E. DeMario

IPC: G21C3/34 ,  G21C3/33

CPC classification number: G21C3/33 ,  G21Y2002/207 ,  G21Y2002/303 ,  G21Y2004/30 ,  Y02E30/40

Abstract: Spacer grids for a nuclear fuel assembly are arranged in superadjacent groups having grid springs and opposing dimples which contact a fuel rod passing through a cell of the spacer grid with a selected spring force. As fabricated, the lowermost grid exerts the greatest initial spring force on the rod; intermediate grids exert a smaller spring force; and the uppermost grid exerts yet a lower spring force. The fuel rod is supported laterally while it is permitted to age expand axially with little axial compression resulting from the spring forces of the springs and dimples, whereby bowing of the rod is diminished.

Abstract translation: 用于核燃料组件的间隔栅格布置在具有栅格弹簧和相对的凹坑的相邻组中，所述相对的凹部与选定的弹簧力通过间隔栅格的单元接触燃料棒。 如制成的，最下面的网格在杆上施加最大的初始弹簧力; 中间栅格施加较小的弹簧力; 并且最上面的网格施加较低的弹簧力。 燃料棒被横向支撑，同时允许老化膨胀而轴向受到弹簧和凹坑的弹簧力的小的轴向压缩，从而减小了杆的弯曲。

公开(公告)号：US4585616A

公开(公告)日：1986-04-29

申请号：US473515

申请日：1983-03-09

Applicant: Edmund E. DeMario ,  Ronald P. Knott

Inventor： Edmund E. DeMario ,  Ronald P. Knott

IPC: G21C3/34 ,  G21C3/356

CPC classification number: G21C3/3563 ,  Y02E30/40

Abstract: A nuclear fuel spacer grid with improved outer straps. The grid has an egg-crate array of interleaved grid straps creating cells for enclosing the fuel rods. The grid also has four outer straps connected together in a square-shaped array surrounding the grid strap's heightwise edges. The outer straps have a central portion to which is attached the grid straps' heightwise edges. The outer straps also have a top and a bottom resilient lengthwise border portion extending vertically beyond and horizontally outwardly beyond their associated outer straps central portions.

Abstract translation: 具有改进外带的核燃料间隔栅格。 网格具有交错网格带的蛋箱阵列，产生用于封闭燃料棒的电池。 网格还具有围绕网格带的高度边缘的四边形阵列连接在一起的四个外带。 外带具有中心部分，其连接有网格带的高度边缘。 外带还具有垂直延伸并水平向外延伸超过其相关外带中心部分的顶部和底部的弹性纵向边界部分。

公开(公告)号：US6144716A

公开(公告)日：2000-11-07

申请号：US887016

申请日：1997-07-02

Applicant: Quang M. Nguyen ,  Edmund E. DeMario

Inventor： Quang M. Nguyen ,  Edmund E. DeMario

IPC: G21C3/34 ,  G21C3/356

CPC classification number: G21C3/3563 ,  Y02E30/40

Abstract: A support grid for laterally maintaining the relative position of elongated fuel elements within a fuel assembly for use within a core of a nuclear reactor. The grid is formed in the shape of a lattice with the intersecting lattice members defining a plurality of cells, most of which respectively support the nuclear fuel elements. The remaining cells support nuclear control rod guide tubes and instrumentation thimbles. The cells supporting the nuclear fuel elements are provided with diagonally positioned springs on two adjacent walls. The springs support the fuel elements against dimples which protrude from the opposite cell walls. The adjacent, diagonal springs in each fuel element cell are inclined in opposite directions. The springs are formed from narrow, parallel slits in the cell wall that terminate along a line parallel to the line of intersection with the adjacent wall. The spring slits continue along that parallel line in a direction away from the spring to increase its flexure. The lattice is formed in an "egg-crate" pattern with the orthogonal members fitting over opposing vertical slits in the adjoining straps. The vertical slits are extended more than half way over the width of the straps to further increase the flexure of the retaining springs.

Abstract translation: 用于横向维持细长燃料元件在燃料组件内的相对位置以用于核反应堆的核心内的支撑网格。 栅格形成为具有限定多个单元的相交晶格构件的格子形状，其中大部分单元分别支撑核燃料元件。 剩余的电池支持核控制杆导管和仪表套管。 支撑核燃料元件的电池在两个相邻的壁上设置有对角定位的弹簧。 弹簧将燃料元件抵靠从相对的细胞壁突出的凹坑。 每个燃料元件单元中相邻的对角弹簧在相反方向上倾斜。 弹簧由细胞壁中狭窄的平行狭缝形成，该狭缝平行于与相邻壁交叉的线路终止。 弹簧狭缝沿着平行线沿远离弹簧的方向延伸以增加其挠曲。 格子形成为“蛋箱”图案，正交构件配合在邻接带的相对的垂直狭缝上。 垂直狭缝在带的宽度上延伸超过一半，以进一步增加保持弹簧的挠曲。

公开(公告)号：US5357547A

公开(公告)日：1994-10-18

申请号：US853556

申请日：1992-03-18

Applicant: Franklin D. Obermeyer ,  Willis B. Middlebrooks ,  Edmund E. DeMario

Inventor： Franklin D. Obermeyer ,  Willis B. Middlebrooks ,  Edmund E. DeMario

IPC: G21C17/10 ,  G21C17/00

CPC classification number: G21C17/10

Abstract: Vibration dampener for dampening vibration of a tubular member, such as an instrumentation tube of the type found in nuclear reactor pressure vessels. The instrumentation tube is received in an outer tubular member, such as a guide thimble tube. The vibration dampener comprises an annular sleeve which is attachable to the inside surface of the guide thimble tube and which is sized to surround the instrumentation tube. Dimples are attached to the interior wall of the sleeve for radially supporting the instrumentation tube. The wall of the sleeve has a flexible spring member, which is formed from the wall, disposed opposite the dimples for biasing the instrumentation tube into abutment with the dimples. Flow-induced vibration of the instrumentation tube will cause it to move out of contact with the dimples and further engage the spring member, which will flex a predetermined amount and exert a reactive force against the instrumentation tube to restrain its movement. The amount by which the spring member will flex is less than the unrestrained amplitude of vibration of the instrumentation tube. The reactive force exerted against the instrumentation tube will be sufficient to return it to its original axial position within the thimble tube. In this manner, vibration of the instrumentation tube is dampened so that in-core physics measurements are accurate and so that the instrumentation tube will not wear against the inside surface of the guide thimble tube.

Abstract translation: 振动阻尼器，用于抑制管状构件的振动，例如在核反应堆压力容器中发现的仪器管。 仪器管被容纳在诸如导向套管的外管状构件中。 振动阻尼器包括环形套筒，其可连接到导向套管的内表面，并且其尺寸设计成围绕仪表管。 凹槽连接到套筒的内壁以径向支撑仪表管。 套筒的壁具有柔性的弹性构件，该弹性构件由壁形成，与凹坑相对设置，用于偏置仪器管与凹坑邻接。 仪器管的流动振动将导致其与凹坑脱离接触，并进一步接合弹簧构件，弹簧构件将弯曲预定量并且对仪表管施加反作用力以限制其运动。 弹簧构件弯曲的量小于仪器管的振动的无约束幅度。 施加在仪表管上的反作用力将足以将其返回到其在套管内的原始轴向位置。 以这种方式，仪器管的振动被衰减，使得核心物理测量是准确的，并且仪表管不会磨损针导向套管的内表面。

公开(公告)号：US5057272A

公开(公告)日：1991-10-15

申请号：US444656

申请日：1989-12-01

Applicant: Edmund E. DeMario ,  Charles N. Lawson

Inventor： Edmund E. DeMario ,  Charles N. Lawson

IPC: G21C3/12

CPC classification number: G21C3/12 ,  Y02E30/40

Abstract: A fuel assembly has a top nozzle which includes a lower adapter plate and a plurality of guide structures thereon. The lower plate has a periphery bounding an interior thereof mounted by guide thimbles. The guide structures are attached to and extend along the periphery of lower plate and upwardly therefrom. The top nozzle also includes upper hold-down plate and a plurality of leaf spring assemblies. The upper plate is mounted to the guide structures for slidable movement relative thereto such that the upper plate can move toward and away from the interior of the lower plate within the space bounded by the guide structures as the upper plate slidably moves along the guide structures. The leaf spring assemblies are interposed between and engaged with the lower and upper plates so as to yieldably support the upper plate in spaced relation above the lower plate and bias the upper plate for movement away from the lower plate. The leaf spring assemblies are provided in a non-peripheral arrangement relative to the periphery of the lower plate in which the assemblies cross the interior of the lower plate in a diagonal fashion between adjacent ones of the guide structures.

Abstract translation: 燃料组件具有顶部喷嘴，其包括下部适配器板和其上的多个引导结构。 下板具有由引导套管安装的内部的边缘。 引导结构沿着下板的周边并向上延伸。 顶部喷嘴还包括上部压紧板和多个板簧组件。 上板被安装到引导结构上，用于相对于其滑动，使得当上板沿导向结构滑动移动时，上板可以在由导向结构限定的空间内朝向和远离下板的内部移动。 板簧组件插入在下板和上板之间并与下板和上板接合，以便可靠地将上板以间隔关系支撑在下板上方，并偏压上板以便移动远离下板。 板簧组件相对于下板的周边设置成非周边布置，其中组件以相对的引导结构之间的对角线方式穿过下板的内部。