Apparatus and method for inspecting a control rod drive mechanism penetration tube for degradation
US5396800A · kind A · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Mar 17, 1993 |
| Grant date | Mar 14, 1995 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Mar 17, 2013 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC Y)Emerging Cross-Sectional Technologies
- CPC primaryY02E30/30
- WIPO fieldMeasurement
- WIPO sectorInstruments
Abstract
Apparatus and method for inspecting a tubular member for degradation, which tubular member may be a control rod drive mechanism (CRDM) penetration tube of the kind typically found in nuclear power reactor pressure vessels. The CRDM penetration tube includes a thermal sleeve concentrically disposed therein, the sleeve being radially rotatable and axially translatable within the tube. However, the sleeve may be nonhomogeneous, which nonhomogeneity could undesirably mask the inspection signal as the inspection sensor is radially and axially moved in order to inspect the tube. The apparatus includes a support body sized to be disposed in the sleeve, an expandable bladder connected to the support body to engage the sleeve for securing the support body to the sleeve, one or more sensors connected to the support body for sensing the degradation in the tube, and a rotator connected to the support body for simultaneously rotating the support body, the bladder, the sensor and the sleeve in the tube to radially scan the tube. A pusher/puller mechanism is also provided, the pusher/pusher mechanism being connected to the support body for simultaneously translating the support body, the bladder,…
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.