Nathaniel Robinson

US Patent:

20030007590, Jan 9, 2003

Filed:

Jul 3, 2001

Appl. No.:

09/898943

Inventors:

Michael Smith - Columbia SC, US
David Dablock - Derry PA, US
Nathaniel Robinson - Eastover SC, US
Philip Hazlett - Columbia SC, US

International Classification:

G21C003/34

US Classification:

376/442000

Abstract:

A spacer for use with a protective grid of a fuel assembly of a nuclear reactor is a generally washer-shaped plate of material having an engagement surface and a retention surface opposite one another. The protective grid is formed of a plurality of straps to define a plurality of fuel rod cells and a plurality of thimble cells, with the straps adjacent the thimble cells being notched to receive the spacer therein. The retention surface of the spacer is disposed against the notches, and the engagement surface of the spacer protrudes outwardly from the protective grid. When the engagement surfaces of the spacers are engaged against a lower nozzle of a fuel assembly of a nuclear reactor, the spacers space the protective grid from the lower nozzle. The spacer is integrally welded with the protective grid in a single arranging and welding operation.