Method and Apparatus for the Shielded Relocation of a Nuclear Component
AssigneeWestinghouse Electric Corp.
InventorAlexander W. Harkness
Life of this patent
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Abstract
A nuclear component transfer device that incorporates a shielded canister into the mast design of a conventional nuclear refueling machine. A moveable mast telescopes within a stationary mast which is attached to a bridge for lateral positioning. The canister allows for the addition of shielding that is positioned with the movement of the moveable mast without additional motorized components to deploy the shielding during nuclear component movement. The nuclear component is drawn up into the shielded canister as the moveable mast lifts the nuclear component. The nuclear component is then placed into a transfer cart that is also fitted with a shielded canister. The transfer is made without exposing the nuclear components resulting in completely shield movement.
Claims3
A method for relocating the nuclear plant component with the machine of claim 1 comprising the steps of:
- moving the bridge assembly to position the machine over the nuclear plant component to be relocated with the gripper assembly aligned with the nuclear plant component;
- moving the moveable mast downward with the mast shield canister suspended below the gripper;
- supporting the lower end portion of the mast shield canister above the nuclear plant component with the nuclear plant component in line with the central opening through which the moveable mast can extend;
- lowering the moveable mast through the central opening;
- engaging the gripper assembly on a top surface of the nuclear plant component;
- raising the moveable mast to withdraw the moveable mast and the nuclear plant component upward within the central opening;
- and
- moving the bridge assembly to position the nuclear plant component at a new location.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.