Apparatus and methods for precluding separation of a thermal sleeve and elbow joint in the recirculation system of a nuclear reactor
US6375230B1 · kind B1 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Nov 22, 1999 |
| Grant date | Apr 23, 2002 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Nov 22, 2019 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC Y)Emerging Cross-Sectional Technologies
- CPC primaryY10T403/16
- WIPO fieldMechanical elements
- WIPO sectorMechanical engineering
Abstract
A clamp assembly prevents separation of a thermal sleeve penetrating a nuclear reactor pressure vessel wall and a jet pump riser elbow welded one to the other and lying within an annular space between the pressure vessel wall and core shroud. The clamp assembly includes a pair of heads having semi-cylindrical recesses. Pins project inwardly from each of the heads in the semi-cylindrical recesses and have axes which lie parallel to one another. By using actuators mounting multiple electrodes, holes may be formed in situ in the adjoining ends of the thermal sleeve and elbow. Once the holes are formed, the heads can be applied in situ with the pins being received through the holes and the heads clamped to one another. Thug, the pins in each of the sleeve and elbow prevent separating movement of the sleeve and elbow in the event of failure of the welded joint therebetween.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.