Stud enclosure and method of use

Abstract

A stud enclosure for protecting a stud extending upwardly from a nuclear reactor pressure vessel (RPV) flange has a cylindrical can with a capped end and an open end. The capped end has an axially extending hole with a screw extending therein for fastening the stud enclosure to the stud. A seal ring is disposed adjacent the open end of the cylindrical can for sealing the ring on the RPV flange. A gas valve is disposed in the capped end of the cylindrical can for pressurizing the interior portion of the can with air. The stud enclosure is used to protect the RPV studs after the RPV head has been removed in order to permit access to the interior portions of the RPV. This use includes the steps of: removing RPV fastener nuts and washers from RPV studs extending from the RPV flange through stud holes in the flange of the RPV head while the RPV head is supported on the RPV flange; placing stud enclosures over the studs and into physical contact with the RPV flange while the RPV head is supported on the RPV; fastening the stud enclosures to the studs; and pressurizing the internal portion of the stud enclosures with a gas.

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.