Initial Testing Completed for Nine Fuel Handling Gripping Devices for MBIR Project
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On August 17, 2026, Russia's InterPolaris completed initial testing of nine gripping devices for the Multipurpose Fast Neutron Research Reactor (MBIR) project. These devices will be used for fuel transport and handling operations, primarily serving the handling and transfer of fuel assemblies and fuel rod storage within the OTT fuel complex.
The key focus of the device development is to enhance safety and reliability during the gripping, transfer, and positioning of fuel assemblies. Each gripping device consists of components including an eyelet, body, cover plate, head, cam, locking sleeve, indicator light, battery, stepper motor with electrical connections, and a backup device. Among these, the locking sleeve is used to prevent accidental cam opening, while the backup device is designed to improve system operational redundancy.
The gripping devices delivered and tested this time fall into three categories: 3 head fixtures, used for securing and moving fuel assemblies via their heads; 3 tail fixtures, used for operating the tails of fuel assemblies; and 3 magazine fixtures, used for operations related to fuel element magazines.
According to design requirements, the fixtures operate in a periodic mode with an annual operating time of 250 days, configurable either as 1 shift per day at 7.2 hours per shift, or 2 shifts per day at 6 hours per shift. The devices are suitable for environments with temperatures ranging from 10°C to 25°C, atmospheric pressure, and ambient humidity not exceeding 70%.
The testing was carried out in accordance with approved plans and methods, and in compliance with drawing requirements. The scope included visual and dimensional inspection, product quality records, and verification of the performance, load-bearing capacity, manual operation, and remote control functions of moving parts under both no-load and loaded conditions.
The test results confirmed that 8 products meet the established technical requirements.
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