fuel bundle

Fuel pencils that are grouped in parallel for introduction into the reactor.

end plate

Metal grille that is soldered to the ends of the pencils to keep them in place.

bearing pad

Metal part that is soldered to the pencils around the circumference of the bundle; it is used as a support surface as they are introduced into the pressure tube.

pencil

Watertight metal cladding in which fuel pellets are loaded.

spacer

Part that is soldered to the cladding of the pencils to maintain a preset distance between them.

pressure tube

Tube that holds the fuel bundles and circulates the coolant at a preset pressure.

end plate

Metal grille that is soldered to the ends of the pencils to keep them in place.

end cap

Cylindrical part soldered to the ends of the cladding of the pencil to make it watertight.

fuel pellet

Small quantity of fuel that consists of powder pressed into a sheathing tube and then inserted into the metal cladding of the pencil.

pencil

Watertight metal cladding in which fuel pellets are loaded.