Method for installing extension tube in a nuclear reactor
AssigneeWestinghouse Electric Corp.
InventorsAnthony J. Mastopietro, Eric M. Benacquista
Life of this patent
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Abstract
Arrangements and devices for reducing and/or preventing wear of a thermal sleeve in a nuclear reactor are disclosed. Arrangements include a first structure provided on or in one the thermal sleeve and a second structure provided on or in the head penetration adapter. At least a portion of the first structure and at least another portion of the second structure interact to resist, reduce, and/or prevent rotation of the thermal sleeve about its central axis relative to the head penetration adapter. Devices include a base for coupling to a guide tube of the reactor and a plurality of protruding members extending upward from the base. Each member having a portion for engaging a corresponding portion of a guide funnel of the thermal sleeve.
Claims20
A method for installing an extension tube in a nuclear reactor comprising a control rod drive mechanism (CRDM) housing with a non-threaded head penetration nozzle and a thermal sleeve disposed therein, the method comprising:
- removing the thermal sleeve from the CRDM housing;
- machining an end of the non-threaded head penetration nozzle;
- installing and aligning a threaded adapter to the machined end of the non-threaded head penetration nozzle;
- joining the threaded adapter to the machined end of the non-threaded head penetration nozzle;
- machining a bore defined by the non-threaded head penetration nozzle;
- machining a bore defined by the threaded adapter;
- machining an outside diameter of a joint defined between the machined end of the non-threaded head penetration nozzle and the threaded adapter;
- installing the extension tube to the threaded adapter, wherein the threaded adapter and the extension tube replace the thermal sleeve removed from the CRDM housing;
- and
- installing retention fillets welds between the extension tube and the threaded adapter.
A method for installing an extension tube in a nuclear reactor comprising a control rod drive mechanism (CRDM) housing with a non-threaded head penetration nozzle and a thermal sleeve disposed therein, the method comprising:
- removing the thermal sleeve from the CRDM housing;
- coupling a threaded adapter to an end of the non-threaded head penetration nozzle;
- and
- coupling the extension tube to the threaded adapter, wherein the threaded adapter and the extension tube replace the thermal sleeve removed from the CRDM housing.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.