Device for restricting the motion of a thimble tube inside a nuclear reactor
US5217679A · kind A · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Apr 13, 1992 |
| Grant date | Jun 8, 1993 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Apr 13, 2012 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC Y)Emerging Cross-Sectional Technologies
- CPC primaryY02E30/30
- WIPO fieldEngines, pumps, turbines
- WIPO sectorMechanical engineering
Abstract
A device for restricting the motion of a thimble tube in a nuclear reactor during normal reactor operating conditions. A cylindrical sleeve open at each end has upper, middle, and lower sections. The upper section has an over-expanded area adjacent the top end to aid in proper positioning in the lower core support plate. The middle section is formed from inner and outer sections attached at their ends and formed from material having different coefficients of thermal expansion. The inner portion of the middle section moves from a first normal relaxed state during cold conditions in the reactor to a second flexed state during hot conditions in the reactor to provide a clamping action on the thimble tube received by the sleeve. A baffle in the lower section reduces coolant flow velocity and pressure through the sleeve.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.