Reactor vessel seal and method for temporarily sealing a reactor pressure vessel from the refueling canal
US5706319A · kind A · utility
Assignee
Inventor
Key dates
| Filing date | Aug 12, 1996 |
| Grant date | Jan 6, 1998 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Aug 12, 2016 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC Y)Emerging Cross-Sectional Technologies
- CPC primaryY02E30/30
- WIPO fieldEngines, pumps, turbines
- WIPO sectorMechanical engineering
Abstract
A reactor vessel seal for temporarily sealing a reactor pressure vessel from a water-filled refueling canal above the reactor pressure vessel. The reactor vessel seal is installed in place of the removable reactor pressure vessel closure head for inspecting/servicing the reactor vessel. The reactor seal comprises a seal cap having a surface connected to a flange which is complementary to the upper flange of the reactor pressure vessel. A seal is located between the seal cap flange and the upper flange of the reactor pressure vessel. A lifting rig is connected to the seal cap for lifting the seal cap and placing it in position, with the seal cap flange in alignment with the reactor vessel upper flange, such that the seal located between the seal cap flange and the reactor pressure vessel upper flange is compressed by hydrostatic pressure from water in the water-filled refueling canal acting on the surface of the seal cap as water in the reactor pressure vessel is evacuated.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.