APPARATO PER IL CARICAMENTO DI SBARRE DI COMBUSTIBILE NUCLEARE

An apparatus incorporating a microprocessor control is provided for automatically loading nuclear fuel pellets into fuel rods commonly used in nuclear reactor cores. The apparatus comprises first and second elongated members having "V" troughs for alternately receiving a plurality of fuel pellets to be loaded alternately in first and second fuel rods. The pellets are weighed while in the "V" trough of each elongated member and each elongated member is alternately relocated in axial alignment with a cooperating fuel rod. A guide bushing assembly is provided to assist the transfer of the pellets from each of the elongated members into awaiting fuel rods. A rod handling assembly incorporating rod handling means, a thumper assembly to facilitate the loading of fuel pellets into the fuel rods, an adjustable fuel rod backstop and a rod carousel carrying a plurality of fuel rods, presents two fuel rods to the guide bushing assembly at the appropriate stage in the loading sequence. Guide bushings in the guide bushing assembly are slidably actuatable for advancing to engage the fuel rods. The pellets are then loaded into the fuel rods by a motor operated push rod associated with each elongated member. As the pellets are pushed into the awaiting fuel rod, the thumper assembly is actuated to assist the loading operation. The guide bushing assembly includes photocells utilized in conjunction with the push rods to measure the length of the row of fuel pellets inserted into each fuel rod. Safeguards are provided to insure that the weight and position of the fuel pellets within the fuel rods fall within certain prescribed limits. After a segment of fuel pellets has been loaded, the guide bushing disengages from the loaded fuel rod, the rod carousel moves new rods into loading positions, and the entire loading operation is repeated.