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 threaded head penetration nozzle and a thermal sleeve disposed therein, the method comprising:
- removing the thermal sleeve from the threaded head penetration nozzle;
- installing the extension tube in lieu of a replacement thermal sleeve, wherein the installing comprises:
- aligning the extension tube with a threaded end of the threaded head penetration nozzle, the extension tube comprising a threaded end and non-threaded end, the threaded end sized and configured to threadably couple to the threaded head penetration nozzle;
- threading the threaded end of the extension tube to the threaded end of the threaded head penetration nozzle;
- torqueing the extension tube to the threaded end of the threaded head penetration nozzle;
- gauging the alignment of the extension tube relative to the threaded head penetration nozzle;
- and
- installing retention fillet welds between the extension tube and the threaded end of the threaded head penetration nozzle;
- and
- installing a guide funnel to the non-threaded end of the extension tube.
A method for installing an extension tube in a nuclear reactor comprising a control rod drive mechanism (CRDM) housing with a threaded head penetration nozzle and a thermal sleeve disposed therein, the method comprising:
- removing the thermal sleeve from the threaded head penetration nozzle;
- and
- replacing the removed thermal sleeve with an extension tube, wherein the replacing comprises coupling the extension tube to the threaded head penetration nozzle.
A method for installing an extension tube in a nuclear reactor comprising a control rod drive mechanism (CRDM) housing with a threaded head penetration nozzle and a thermal sleeve disposed therein, the method comprising:
- removing the thermal sleeve from the threaded head penetration nozzle;
- and
- replacing the removed thermal sleeve with an extension tube and a threaded adapter, wherein the replacing comprises:
- coupling a first threaded end of the threaded adapter to the extension tube;
- and
- coupling a second threaded end of the threaded adapter to the threaded head penetration nozzle.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.