Development of chute-type fuel handling system

One of the important subjects at the time of developing large fast breeder reactors following JOYO and MONJU in Japan is the raise of the rate of operation, and as a means for the purpose, the adoption of a chute type fuel handling facility is planned. Unlike the conventional carriage type, this type is intended to shorten the time required for fuel transfer by directly connecting the reactor side and outside fuel storage side with the cell having inert gas atmosphere, and the confirmation of the feasibility of this system is an urgent requirement in setting up the concept of the large reactor plants. In this report, the results of the tests for developing the mechanical components of the chute type fuel handling facility carried out by Fuji Denki Atomic Energy Engineering Co., Ltd., are described. The outline of the chute type fuel handling facility, the testing apparatus simulating the fundamental conditions of the actual machine, the tests in the atmosphere, argon gas at normal temperature and sodium, and the results of the tests are reported. The components as the object of the tests were ball bearings, roller chains, sprockets and wheels. By these tests, the problems to be solved related to the working reliability of the mechanical components controlling the feasibility of the chute type fuel handling facility became clear. Especially as for chains, it is necessary to advance the development based on the knowledge obtained. (Kako, I.)