Systems and methods for steam separator alignment

Abstract

Systems supply alignment in steam separator assemblies by transversely extending around the separator tubes and preventing skewing or contact among them without the need for alignment bars or perimeter guide rings to join to the bars. A plate or series of connected shapes can match the shape of the separator tubes to provide alignment without direct contact on aligned tubes. This may limit opportunities for damage, wear, and fretting caused by vibration between rigid structures. Coolant and handling structures can pass through or around the bracing structures, allowing cross-flow vertically through the assembly and accommodating handling structures that can move all the separator tubes and their aligners as a rigid body for installation. Systems can be fabricated as steam separator assemblies entirely outside a reactor or about separator tubes at any location including in situ. Steam separator assemblies may then be installed or removed above a reactor vessel core.

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.