IMPROVEMENTS IN OR RELATING TO NUCLEAR REACTOR FUEL ELEMENT CHARGING AND DISCHARGING ARRANGEMENTS

A reactor fuel element in a vertical coolant channel in a reactor core is moved for the purpose of loading or unloading the reactor by a probe entering the bottom of the channel and supporting the fuel element at its lower end. The element is loaded onto and removed from the probe by fuel element handling means disposed above the reactor core. (R.J.S.)