Core spray line coupling apparatus and methods
US6131962A · kind A · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Jan 29, 1998 |
| Grant date | Oct 17, 2000 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Jan 29, 2018 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC Y)Emerging Cross-Sectional Technologies
- CPC primaryY10S285/905
- WIPO fieldEngines, pumps, turbines
- WIPO sectorMechanical engineering
Abstract
Coupling apparatus and methods for replacing a core spray line downcomer pipe coupled to a shroud T-box are described. In one embodiment, the coupling apparatus includes a seal ring, a mating flange, a housing, at least one coupling bolt, at least one spherical washer, and at least one lateral pin. The thermal expansion coefficient of the coupling bolt is lower than the thermal expansion coefficient of the seal ring, mating flange, and housing. After extending the downcomer pipe into the housing, the seal ring is inserted into the opposite end of the housing adjacent the downcomer pipe. The seal ring is then seated on the mating flange seat. The two seats allow the downcomer pipe to be rotational misaligned with the coupling apparatus. The coupling bolts extend through the mating flange and the housing to rigidly secure the downcomer pipe to the coupling apparatus. Lateral pins extend through the housing and the downcomer pipe to provide vertical and torsional load transfer from the downcomer pipe to the coupling apparatus. In addition, the coupling apparatus includes a cylindrical pipe, an elbow, a draw bolt, an anchor plate, and a block. The elbow is configured to receive the T-b…
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.