US 4,671,326 A · Dual seal nozzle dam and alignment means therefor

Abstract

A nozzle dam for providing a fluid-tight seal across a primary fluid nozzle in the plenum of a nuclear steam generating vessel includes two fluid-impermeable seals, each comprising a circular three-section foldable seal plate covered with a flexible diaphragm and circumferentially encompassed by an inflatable seal member disposable in frictional sealing engagement with the inner surface of the nozzle. The two seal apparatuses are interconnected by a central tubular coupling coaxial with the nozzle and non-rotatably fixed to each seal, the coupling having a quick-disconnect feature operable from outside the nozzle dam. The coupling provides a conduit for inflation of one of the seals. The two seals are also interconnected by four post assemblies to maintain the seal plates parallel with each other, each post assembly including a cylindrical member pivotally movable between a release position and a supporting position, and provided with a slidable encompassing sleeve to lock it in the supporting position. Structure is provided for pressurizing the inter-seal space and monitoring the pressure in that space.

Claims18

Dependent claims

A nozzle dam for preventing fluid flow through a primary fluid nozzle in the plenum of a nuclear steam generating vessel, wherein the nozzle has an inner surface and an axis, said nozzle damp comprising:

first and second fluid-impermeable seal means disposable in sealing conditions axially spaced-apart within the nozzle and each seal means including an inflatable means, each of said seal means in the sealing condition thereof extending across and closing the nozzle and frictionally engageable with the inner surface thereof around the entire perimeter thereof in a sealing plane to form a fluid-tight seal, means for inflating said inflatable means, coupling means non-rotatably fixed to each of said seal means for interconnecting same in the sealing conditions thereof to maintain a predetermined axial spacing therebetween while inhibiting relative rotation thereof about the axis of the nozzle, said coupling means including disconnection means for separating said first and second seal means from each other, and support means spaced from said coupling means and rigidly interconnecting said first and second seal means for maintaining said sealing planes thereof substantially parallel to each other in a sealing orientation substantially perpendicular to the nozzle axis.

first and second fluid-impermeable seal means disposable in sealing conditions axially spaced-apart within the nozzle;
and each seal means including an inflatable means each of said seal means in the sealing condition thereof extending across and closing the nozzle and frictionally engageable with the inner surface thereof around the entire perimeter thereof in a sealing plane to form a fluid-tight seal;
means for inflating said inflatable means;
and a plurality of support means rigidly interconnecting said first and second seal means respectively at a plurality of spaced-apart locations thereon for maintaining said sealing planes thereof substantially parallel to each other in a sealing orientation substantially perpendicular to the nozzle axis, each of said support means including retaining means fixedly secured to said first seal means, connecting means fixedly secured to said second seal means and movable between a support position engageable with said retaining means for retention thereby and a release position out of engagement with said retaining means, and lock means for locking said connecting means in the support position thereof.

1 more element

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.

Dual seal nozzle dam and alignment means therefor

Life of this patent

Dual seal nozzle dam and alignment means therefor

Life of this patent

Abstract

Claims18