A DETACHABLE NUCLEAR FUEL ELEMENT

The invented nuclear fuel element (10) of a light water cooled and attenuated reactor comprises a supporting frame with two extensions (12, 14) and grids (20, 22), whereby said extensions (12, 14) are connected by means of guide tubes (16). Each grid is provided with three sets of plates (64, 66, 70) crossing each other and defining individual cells. The plates (64, 66, 70) are provided with means for gripping rods (24), which means hold said rods (24) in eyes of the regular triangle-shaped network. The upper extension (12) comprises a lower section with a transient bell (34) from a hexagonal cross-section to a cylindrical piece being provided with a dismountable first adjustment plate (32), and an upper section which has a cylindrical jacket (40) slidably mounted on the cylindrical piece and a holding plate (42). Tubular spacers (44) restrict mutual distance of the first adjustment plate (32) and the holding plate (42). Springs (46) impart on said plates a force, trying to pull the plates from each other.