Methods and apparatus for applying a compressive force to a core shroud
US5712887A · kind A · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Dec 20, 1996 |
| Grant date | Jan 27, 1998 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Dec 20, 2016 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC Y)Emerging Cross-Sectional Technologies
- CPC primaryY10T29/49352
- WIPO fieldEngines, pumps, turbines
- WIPO sectorMechanical engineering
Abstract
Methods and apparatus for maintaining a compression force in a reactor pressure vessel (RPV) of a nuclear reactor are described. In one embodiment of the apparatus, a spring assembly facilitates applying compression force on the shroud head. The spring assembly, in one embodiment, includes two trusses and two torsion bars. The torsion bars extend between the trusses and are connected at opposite ends to the trusses. Each truss includes a truss support member, a hooking element, and a torsion converter element. The truss support member is configured to rest on the shroud head flange. The hooking element is pivotally coupled to the truss support member, and includes a hook adjacent a guide rod. The torsion converter element is coupled to the hooking element, and is vertically movable with respect to the truss support member. The converter element has two ends, each end splined to one of the torsion bars so that vertical movement of the converter element drives, e.g., rotates, the torsion bars.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.