Process for the final assembly of a nuclear reactor vessel

US4294662A · kind A · utility

Assignee

• FRAMATOME · FR

Inventors

• Paul Guignard · Concord, US
• Alain Commeau · Le Creusot, FR

Key dates

• Filing date: May 12, 1980
• Grant date: Oct 13, 1981
• Expiry date: May 12, 2000

Classification

• Technology area (CPC B): Performing Operations; Transporting
• CPC primary: B23K33/004
• WIPO field: Machine tools
• WIPO sector: Mechanical engineering

Abstract

The invention concerns a process for the final assembly of a nuclear reactor vessel comprising two sub-assemblies which are brought together and welded along mating surfaces. At least three female centering stubs, each associated with a seat recessed relative to the outer surface of the stub, are provided on the mating surface of one of the sub-assemblies, and at least three male centering stubs, corresponding to the seats of the female stubs, are provided on the mating surface of the other sub-assembly, the positions of the stubs being registered relative to elements for positioning internal fitments of the vessel. The two sub-assemblies are brought together to engage the male stubs in the female stub seats and to bring projecting annular ridges on the mating surfaces into contact. A key is inserted into a socket defined by one of the pairs of stubs and the stubs are then joined to each other by point-welds. An annular space defined between the mating surfaces of the sub-assemblies and delimited by a wall provided by the contacting ridges is then partially filled with filler metal. The centering stubs, wall and part of the deposited metal are then removed before welding is complet…