Closed loop ex-vessel machine

An overall plan view of the FFTF reactor refueling facilities is shown in Fig. 5.2. The principal exreactor component is the closed loop ex-vessel machine (CLEM), shown in Fig. 5.3. The CLEM loads all components into the reactor vessel and removes all components from the reactor core. Fresh driver fuel and all SNF is transferred to and from the reactor in a core component pot (CCP) that can be inserted or removed through one of three fuel transfer ports in the reactor vessel top cover. The in-reactor components consist of three in-vessel handling machines (IVHMs) plus the three in-vessel storage modules. The FFTF requires three IVHMs because of closed test loops in the reactor core which interfere with direct access to the entire reactor core with one machine. 

Fig. 5.3. FFTF closed loop ex-vessel machine (red machine on rail tracks).

Fig. A.2. Closed loop ex-vessel machine (non-shaded component). 

A.3 SYSTEM COMPONENT DESCRIPTIONS A.3.1 Closed Loop Ex-Vessel Machine (CLEM)... 

Fig. A.6. Schematic of closed loop ex-vessel machine and transporter. 

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