Arc-shaped fuel plate assembling, rolling and positioning device and method

By combining the positioning arc plate and locking components, the problems of inaccurate positioning and asymmetrical rolling of the arc-shaped fuel plate during the assembly process are solved, achieving precise positioning of the fuel plate and control of the water gap width, thus improving the assembly quality of the components.

CN121964219APending Publication Date: 2026-05-01CHINA NORTH NUCLEAR FUEL CO LTD
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Patent Information

Application Number
CN202610033098.3
Authority / Receiving Office
CN · China
Patent Type
Applications(China)
Current Assignee / Owner
Filing Date
2026-01-12
Publication Date
2026-05-01

AI Technical Summary

Technical Problem

In the wide-spectrum ultra-high flux experimental reactor, there are problems with inaccurate positioning and asymmetrical rolling during the assembly of arc-shaped fuel plates, resulting in inconsistent water gap widths and affecting the assembly quality of the components.

Method used

The device employs a combination of multiple positioning arc plates, side plates, and locking components. The symmetrical arrangement and locking mechanism ensure that the fuel plates remain symmetrical during the rolling process. Positioning pins and locking screws are used to fix the fuel plates, ensuring that they are in the predetermined position and have consistent curvature.

Benefits of technology

Precise positioning and rolling of the arc-shaped fuel plate were achieved, ensuring that the water gap width met the requirements, avoiding fuel plate offset and asymmetrical slippage after assembly, and improving assembly accuracy and quality.

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Abstract

The invention belongs to the technical field of nuclear power, and particularly relates to an arc-shaped fuel plate assembling, rolling and positioning device and method. By additionally arranging the positioning device, whether the arc plate type fuel is pulled into the side plate inserting groove to the preset position or not can be accurately controlled. The working condition that the arc plate type fuel plate is in a free state in the rolling process is changed, so that the arc plate type fuel plate is in a controlled state in the rolling process and can be deformed according to a preset mode. And whether the assembly state of the arc plate type fuel plate to be rolled meets the expected requirement or not can be visually inspected before rolling. The effect of visual inspection of the whole assembly after rolling is achieved, meanwhile, whether the state of the fuel plate does not meet the requirement or not after unloading can be known, and timely adjustment is facilitated.
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Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention belongs to the field of nuclear power technology, specifically relating to a rolling positioning device and method for assembling arc-shaped fuel plates. Background Technology

[0002] The Wide-Spectrum Ultra-High Flux Test Reactor (THFR) is an advanced pressurized water test reactor capable of providing neutron fluxes exceeding 2 × 10¹⁵ n / cm²•s for both fast and thermal neutrons. The successful development of the fuel assemblies, the most crucial component for the THFR's functionality, is critical to its construction and operation.

[0003] The wide-spectrum ultra-high flux experimental reactor uses arc-shaped fuel assemblies, and the rolling bonding process between side plates with different angles and fuel plates is one of the key technologies being studied. In the fuel assembly scheme of the feasibility study stage of the THFR project, the A-type assembly in the central area has a side plate angle of 60 degrees. o The other three types of components, B, C, and D, have a side panel angle of 30 degrees. o The impact of factors such as the included angle of the fuel assembly side plates and the radius of curvature (arch height) of the fuel plates on assembly size control must be comprehensively considered. In particular, achieving the technical requirement of a fuel plate water gap width of (2±0.25) mm presents a high level of assembly difficulty. The currently used process involves inserting the fuel plates into slots in a free state and then performing roll forming assembly.

[0004] For the assembly of arc-shaped fuel plates (or arc-shaped fuel plates), relying solely on slot positioning can lead to issues such as lateral displacement of the arc plate with inconsistent displacement amounts and directions at both ends, affecting the water gap width after assembly. Alternatively, misalignment of the fuel plate's centerline (arc height line) can cause asymmetrical rolling, resulting in localized deviations in the water gap after assembly. Therefore, it is crucial to improve the positioning accuracy of the arc plate and prevent asymmetrical slippage during the rolling process. Summary of the Invention

[0005] To overcome the problems existing in related technologies, a rolling positioning device and method for assembling arc-shaped fuel plates are provided.

[0006] According to one aspect of the present disclosure, an arc-shaped fuel plate assembly rolling positioning device is provided. The device includes: a plurality of positioning arc plates, a first side plate, a second side plate, a first locking component, and a second locking component; each positioning arc plate is a cylindrical surface with a fixed curve of an arc; each fuel plate is arranged sequentially from top to bottom in the vertical direction, and a positioning arc plate is pressed against the upper and lower surfaces of each fuel plate respectively; the symmetry line of each positioning arc plate in the first horizontal direction and the symmetry line of each fuel plate in the second horizontal direction are located in a first vertical plane; the symmetry line of each positioning arc plate in the second horizontal direction and the symmetry line of each fuel plate in the first horizontal direction are located in a second vertical plane, and the first horizontal direction is perpendicular to the second horizontal direction. The first side plate and the second side plate are symmetrically arranged with respect to the first vertical plane and form a preset angle with the first vertical plane; the first end of each fuel plate along the first horizontal direction is fixed in the fixing groove of the first side plate, and the second end of each fuel plate along the first horizontal direction is fixed in the fixing groove of the second side plate; the first locking component and the second locking component are symmetrically arranged vertically with respect to the second vertical plane, and the first end of each positioning arc plate along the second horizontal direction is fixed in the slot of the first locking component, and the second end of each positioning arc plate along the second horizontal direction is fixed in the slot of the second locking component; thereby constraining and rolling each fuel plate into a curved surface with a curvature consistent with each positioning arc plate.

[0007] In one possible implementation, positioning pins are respectively provided at the first and second ends of each positioning arc plate at the positions of the second horizontal symmetrical line; each positioning arc plate is fixed between the first locking component and the second locking component by the positioning pins at both ends.

[0008] In one possible implementation, both the first locking component and the second locking component have vertically formed adjustment slots. Each adjustment slot has an opening with a locking screw that can move up and down to press the positioning arc plate of the insertion slot. Each locking screw is located at the position of the second horizontal symmetrical line.

[0009] In one possible implementation, the thickness of the positioning arc plate is the median of the water gap.

[0010] In one possible implementation, the arc length of the positioning arc plate is no greater than 1 / 2 of the arc length of the fuel plate, and the length of the positioning arc plate in the first horizontal direction is no less than the length of the fuel plate.

[0011] In one possible implementation, the positioning arc plate is either an integral structure or a hollow frame structure.

[0012] According to another aspect of the present disclosure, a method for assembling and positioning arc-shaped fuel plates by rolling is provided, the method comprising the following steps: Step 1: On the assembly platform or rolling jig, install the bottommost positioning arc plate, the first side plate, the second side plate, the first locking component, and the second locking component to form an integral structure for fixing. Step 2: Place the fuel plate on the positioning arc plate and insert both ends of the fuel plate into the corresponding side plate slots; Step 3: Install a positioning arc plate on the upper surface of the fuel plate, and lock both ends of the positioning arc plate with the first locking component and the second locking component respectively, and roll the fuel plate. Step 4: Repeat steps 2 and 3 for each fuel plate to assemble it, ensuring that the symmetry lines of each positioning arc plate in the first horizontal direction and the symmetry lines of each fuel plate in the second horizontal direction are located in the first vertical plane, and the first horizontal direction is perpendicular to the second horizontal direction; the symmetry lines of each positioning arc plate in the second horizontal direction and the symmetry lines of each fuel plate in the first horizontal direction are located in the second vertical plane. Step 5: After completing all the rolling, remove the topmost positioning arc plate; for the positioning arc plates between fuel plates, pull out the adjacent positioning arc plates from both ends in opposite directions at the same time, which can reduce the displacement of the fuel plates. Step 6: After all the positioning arc plates are removed, clean and dry each fuel plate to complete the assembly.

[0013] In one possible implementation, each positioning arc plate is coated with lubricant before assembly.

[0014] The beneficial effects of this disclosure are as follows: The device of this disclosure solves the problems of the arc-shaped fuel plate shifting during the assembly and rolling process, the lateral sliding distance of the arc-shaped fuel plate being inconsistent during the insertion into the slot, and the fact that the arc height points of each arc plate are not on the center line of the component, which makes it difficult to control the gap of the arc plate. It effectively achieves precise positioning during the assembly process. Attached Figure Description

[0015] Figure 1 This is a front view of an arc-shaped fuel plate assembly rolling positioning device shown in an embodiment of this disclosure.

[0016] Figure 2 yes Figure 1 A schematic diagram of the structure of region B in the middle.

[0017] Figure 3 yes Figure 1 A cross-sectional view along the AA direction.

[0018] Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram of a positioning arc plate shown in an embodiment of this disclosure.

[0019] Figure 5 This is a schematic diagram of a locking component shown in an embodiment of the present disclosure. Detailed Implementation

[0020] The present disclosure will now be described in further detail with reference to the accompanying drawings and specific embodiments.

[0021] Unless otherwise defined, the technical and scientific terms used in this disclosure have the same meaning as commonly understood by one of ordinary skill in the art to which this disclosure pertains; the terminology used in this disclosure is for the purpose of describing particular embodiments only and is not intended to be limiting of this disclosure; the term "comprising" and any variations thereof in this disclosure are intended to cover non-exclusive inclusion. Clearly, the embodiments described in this disclosure are only a part of the embodiments of this disclosure, and not all of them. All other embodiments obtained by those of ordinary skill in the art based on the embodiments of this disclosure without inventive effort are within the scope of protection of this disclosure.

[0022] In this disclosure, the reference to "embodiment" means that a particular feature, structure, or characteristic described in connection with an embodiment may be included in at least one embodiment of this disclosure. The appearance of this phrase in various places throughout the specification does not necessarily refer to the same embodiment, nor is it a separate or alternative embodiment mutually exclusive with other embodiments. It will be explicitly and implicitly understood by those skilled in the art that the embodiments described herein can be combined with other embodiments.

[0023] See Figures 1 to 5The device disclosed herein includes: a plurality of positioning arc plates 22, a first side plate 11, a second side plate 12, a first locking component 31, and a second locking component 32; each positioning arc plate 22 is a cylindrical surface with a fixed curve of an arc; each fuel plate 13 is arranged sequentially from top to bottom in the vertical direction, and the upper and lower surfaces of each fuel plate 13 respectively press against a positioning arc plate 22; the symmetry lines of each positioning arc plate 22 in the first horizontal direction and the symmetry lines of each fuel plate 13 in the second horizontal direction are located in a first vertical plane; the symmetry lines of each positioning arc plate 22 in the second horizontal direction and the symmetry lines of each fuel plate 13 in the first horizontal direction are located in a second vertical plane, and the first horizontal direction is perpendicular to the second horizontal direction; the first side plate 11 and the second side plate 12 are symmetrically arranged with respect to the first vertical plane and form a preset angle with the first vertical plane; the first side plate 11 and The second side plate 12 has multiple fixing grooves 14 on its side facing the fuel plate 13. The first end of each fuel plate 13 along the first horizontal direction is fixed in the fixing groove 14 of the first side plate 11, and the second end of each fuel plate 13 along the first horizontal direction is fixed in the fixing groove 14 of the second side plate 12. The first locking component 31 and the second locking component 32 are vertically arranged symmetrically with respect to the second vertical plane. The first locking component 31 and the second locking component 32 have multiple slots on their side facing the fuel plate 13. The first end of each positioning arc plate 22 along the second horizontal direction is fixed in the slot of the first locking component 31, and the second end of each positioning arc plate 22 along the second horizontal direction is fixed in the slot of the second locking component 32. This constrains each fuel plate 13 so that each fuel plate 13 forms a curved surface with the same curvature as each positioning arc plate 22 after assembly or rolling.

[0024] In one possible implementation, each positioning arc plate 22 has a positioning pin 21 at its first and second ends, which are located at the second horizontal symmetrical line. Each positioning arc plate 22 is fixed between the first locking component 31 and the second locking component 32 by the positioning pins 21 at both ends. The first locking component 31 and the second locking component 32 are both vertically provided with adjustment grooves 34. Each adjustment groove 34 has a locking screw 33 that can move up and down at its opening, which is used to press the positioning arc plate 22 inserted into the slot. Each locking screw 33 is located at the second horizontal symmetrical line. The locking screws 33 enable the locking components to lock multiple adjacent positioning arc plates 22 and keep their center lines aligned.

[0025] In one possible implementation, the thickness of the positioning arc plate 22 is the median of the water gap, for example, 2 ± 0.05 mm. This ensures that the gap 15 between each fuel rod meets the preset assembly requirements. The arc length of the positioning arc plate 22 is no greater than half the arc length of the fuel plate 13, sufficient to mark the arc position at three points (arc apex, arc ends). The positioning arc plate 22 can be an integral structure or a hollow frame structure. The length of the positioning arc plate 22 in the first horizontal direction is no less than the length of the fuel plate 13, facilitating observation of the adhesion.

[0026] In one possible implementation, a method for assembling and positioning arc-shaped fuel plates by rolling is provided, the method comprising the following steps: Step 1: On the assembly platform or rolling jig, install the bottom positioning arc plate, the first side plate, the second side plate, the first locking component, and the second locking component to form an integral structure for fixing.

[0027] Step 2: Place the fuel plate on the positioning arc plate and insert both ends of the fuel plate into the corresponding side plate slots.

[0028] Step 3: Install a positioning arc plate on the upper surface of the fuel plate, and lock both ends of the positioning arc plate with the first locking component and the second locking component respectively, and roll the fuel plate.

[0029] Step 4: Repeat steps 2 and 3 for each fuel plate assembly, ensuring that the symmetry lines of each positioning arc plate in the first horizontal direction and the symmetry lines of each fuel plate in the second horizontal direction are located in the first vertical plane, with the first horizontal direction perpendicular to the second horizontal direction; and that the symmetry lines of each positioning arc plate in the second horizontal direction and the symmetry lines of each fuel plate in the first horizontal direction are located in the second vertical plane. Each positioning arc plate is coated with lubricant before assembly to facilitate removal after rolling.

[0030] Step 5: After completing all the rolling, remove the topmost positioning arc plate; for the positioning arc plates between fuel plates, pull out the adjacent positioning arc plates from both ends in opposite directions at the same time (e.g., pull out one positioning arc plate in each opposite direction at a time), which can reduce the displacement of the fuel plates.

[0031] Step 6: After all the positioning arc plates are removed, clean and dry each fuel plate to complete the assembly.

[0032] This disclosure, by adding a positioning device, enables precise control over whether the arc-shaped fuel plate is pulled into the side plate slot to the predetermined position. It changes the previous situation where the arc-shaped fuel plate was in a free state during the rolling process, ensuring that the fuel plate is under controlled deformation according to a predetermined pattern. Furthermore, it allows for visual inspection of the assembly state of the fuel plate to be rolled before rolling to ensure it meets the expected requirements. After rolling, it allows for visual inspection of the overall assembly effect, and also provides information on whether the fuel plate's condition is unsatisfactory after unloading, facilitating timely adjustments.

[0033] The various embodiments of this disclosure have been described above. These descriptions are exemplary and not exhaustive, nor are they limited to the disclosed embodiments. Many modifications and variations will be apparent to those skilled in the art without departing from the scope and spirit of the described embodiments. The terminology used herein is chosen to best explain the principles, practical application, or improvement of the technology in the market, or to enable others skilled in the art to understand the embodiments disclosed herein.

Claims

1. A rolling and positioning device for assembling arc-shaped fuel plates, characterized in that, The device includes: Multiple positioning arc plates, a first side plate, a second side plate, a first locking component, and a second locking component; Each positioning arc plate is a cylindrical surface with a fixed curve of circular arc; each fuel plate is arranged vertically from top to bottom, with a positioning arc plate pressed against the upper and lower surfaces of each fuel plate; the symmetry lines of each positioning arc plate in the first horizontal direction and the symmetry lines of each fuel plate in the second horizontal direction are located in the first vertical plane; the symmetry lines of each positioning arc plate in the second horizontal direction and the symmetry lines of each fuel plate in the first horizontal direction are located in the second vertical plane, with the first horizontal direction perpendicular to the second horizontal direction; The first side plate and the second side plate are symmetrically arranged with respect to the first vertical plane and form a preset angle with the first vertical plane; the first end of each fuel plate along the first horizontal direction is fixed in the fixing groove of the first side plate, and the second end of each fuel plate along the first horizontal direction is fixed in the fixing groove of the second side plate; the first locking component and the second locking component are symmetrically arranged vertically with respect to the second vertical plane, and the first end of each positioning arc plate along the second horizontal direction is fixed in the slot of the first locking component, and the second end of each positioning arc plate along the second horizontal direction is fixed in the slot of the second locking component; thereby constraining each fuel plate.

2. The apparatus according to claim 1, characterized in that, Positioning pins are respectively set at the first and second ends of each positioning arc plate at the position of the second horizontal symmetrical line; each positioning arc plate is fixed between the first locking component and the second locking component by the positioning pins at both ends.

3. The apparatus according to claim 1, characterized in that, Both the first and second locking components have vertically formed adjustment slots. Each adjustment slot has an opening with a locking screw that can move up and down to press the positioning arc plate inserted into the slot. Each locking screw is located at the position of the second horizontal symmetrical line.

4. The apparatus according to claim 1, characterized in that, The thickness of the positioning arc plate is the median value of the water gap.

5. The apparatus according to claim 1, characterized in that, The arc length of the positioning arc plate is not greater than 1 / 2 of the arc length of the fuel plate, and the length of the positioning arc plate in the first horizontal direction is not less than the length of the fuel plate.

6. The apparatus according to claim 1, characterized in that, The positioning arc plate can be an integral structure or a hollow frame structure.

7. A method for assembling and rolling positioning arc-shaped fuel plates, the method comprising the following steps: Step 1: On the assembly platform or rolling jig, install the bottommost positioning arc plate, the first side plate, the second side plate, the first locking component, and the second locking component to form an integral structure for fixing. Step 2: Place the fuel plate on the positioning arc plate and insert both ends of the fuel plate into the corresponding side plate slots; Step 3: Install a positioning arc plate on the upper surface of the fuel plate, and lock both ends of the positioning arc plate with the first locking component and the second locking component respectively, and roll the fuel plate. Step 4: Repeat steps 2 and 3 for each fuel plate to assemble it, ensuring that the symmetry lines of each positioning arc plate in the first horizontal direction and the symmetry lines of each fuel plate in the second horizontal direction are located in the first vertical plane, and the first horizontal direction is perpendicular to the second horizontal direction; the symmetry lines of each positioning arc plate in the second horizontal direction and the symmetry lines of each fuel plate in the first horizontal direction are located in the second vertical plane. Step 5: After completing all the rolling, remove the topmost positioning arc plate; for the positioning arc plates between fuel plates, pull out the adjacent positioning arc plates from both ends in opposite directions at the same time, which can reduce the displacement of the fuel plates. Step 6: After all the positioning arc plates are removed, clean and dry each fuel plate to complete the assembly.

8. The method according to claim 7, characterized in that, Each positioning arc plate is coated with lubricant before assembly.