Core plate repair using guide tube gap wedges
US5838751A · kind A · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Feb 5, 1997 |
| Grant date | Nov 17, 1998 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Feb 5, 2017 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC Y)Emerging Cross-Sectional Technologies
- CPC primaryY02E30/30
- WIPO fieldEngines, pumps, turbines
- WIPO sectorMechanical engineering
Abstract
A method and an apparatus for repairing a core plate having a cracked support structure. The method entails the step of providing a vertical compression load path between the core plate and one or more control rod guide tubes. This is accomplished by installing a plurality of load-bearing wedges between the core plate and the step of each guide tube. Each load-bearing wedge is placed between the core plate and the guide tube machined step so that core plate pressure loads are reacted by the weight of the fuel rather than the core plate support structure. The load-bearing wedges can be installed without removing the guide tube or the fuel support casting.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.