Nuclear reactor vessel head equipment support structure

Abstract

A head equipment support structure system (HESS) (10) particularly adapted to be cooperatively associated with a nuclear reactor vessel (12) for purposes of effecting a separation of the electrical cables (30) that are utilized in the head area of such a vessel (12), as well as for purposes of providing support for these cables (30). The subject HESS (10) which is in the form of an integral structure that is removably supported relative to the vessel (12) combines the features of cable support structure, missile shield, and cooling ductwork support structure. The HESS (10) embodies horizontally disposed multiple decks (14) to which the cables (30) are vertically routed from the reactor vessel head. The decks (14), which are located in vertically spaced relation directly above the reactor vessel head, support and separate the cables (30). The decks (14) further function to align the corresponding ends of the cables (30) with their respective mating connectors, the latter being associated with the reactor vessel head and the connection panels suitably mounted on the surrounding wall surfaces. The cable decks (14) and steel plates formed integral with the HESS (10) are operative in the manner of a missile shield in that they function to absorb the energy of any missiles generated at the reactor vessel head. Lastly, other equipment (66, 68, 70, 72, 74) normally located in the head area is cooperatively associated with the HESS (10) in mounted relation thereto so as to be capable of being handled as a unit therewith during refueling operations, etc.

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.