CONSIDERATIONS REGARDING THE HORIZONTAL FUEL CHANNELS NUCLEAR REACTOR. PART 1 - PRESENTATION AND INSTALATION REFERENCE PLANS OF THE FUEL CHANNEL

Abstract

The aim of this study is to identify the reference plans and the fuel channel components based on which is made the installation into calandria of CANDU 6 nuclear reactor. The fuel channel is designed to ensure a radiation exposure protection of workers and public, during the reactor operation. The reactor assembly of the CANDU 6 nuclear reactor consists of the horizontal, cylindrical, low-pressure calandria and the end-shield assembly. This enclosed assembly contains the heavy water moderator, the 380 fuel channels assemblies and the reactivity mechanisms. Each fuel channel consists of four major components: the pressure tube, the calandria tube, the annulus spacers and the end fittings. Fuel bundles are enclosed in the fuel channels that pass through the calandria and the end-shield assembly. The fuel channel assembly is made according with the specific requirements of reference planes definition, reference planes measurements, tools and equipments, installation procedures and the quality assurance program. Defining reference plans, measurements reported to reference plans and installation procedures to a new fuel channel in the calandria CANDU nuclear reactor comply the requirements described in the AECL (Atomic Energy of Canada Limited) specified documents.