Evolution of the Hartlepool/Heysham 1 fuelling machine design

A brief description of Hartlepool and Heysham 1 reactors' fuel assemblies and fueling machine is given, followed by a description of the machine design evolution carried out by GEC Energy Systems Limited which results in the current machine style. A brief definition of the machine's duties, operation and maintenance is presented, followed by a discussion on the implications of the machine style. Specific features of the machine that contribute towards overall simplicity, safety and control reliability are then described, followed by later design changes. The later changes were dictated by the recognition of possible contamination due to spalled oxide, and by the increased protection against the possibilities of fuel damage due to tie bar failure or equipment or system malfunction. (author)