Excavation and weld repair methodology for pressurized water reactor piping and vessel nozzles
US9978467B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Nov 13, 2015 |
| Grant date | May 22, 2018 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Sep 25, 2036 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC Y)Emerging Cross-Sectional Technologies
- CPC primaryY10T29/49732
- WIPO fieldMachine tools
- WIPO sectorMechanical engineering
Abstract
The invention is an innovative design/repair methodology for PWR piping nozzles and vessel nozzles that are attached to the piping/vessel base material with a full penetration weld joint geometry. The development of a robust repair methodology for nozzles of this configuration is necessary due to plant aging, potential material degradation in the original materials of construction, potential increased nondestructive examination requirements, and PWSCC phenomena in the susceptible original materials of construction. The purpose/objective of the repair methodology is to provide a means of partially replacing the existing pressure boundary susceptible materials with PWSCC-resistant materials to facilitate the long-term repair life of the plant. The invention may be applied to a plurality of nozzle, piping, and vessel sizes with a full penetration weld joint.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.