US 5,152,253 A · Vessel structural support system

Abstract

Vessel structural support system for laterally and vertically supporting a vessel, such as a nuclear steam generator having an exterior bottom surface and a side surface thereon. The system includes a bracket connected to the bottom surface. A support column is pivotally connected to the bracket for vertically supporting the steam generator. The system also includes a base pad assembly connected pivotally to the support column for supporting the support column and the steam generator. The base pad assembly, which is capable of being brought to a level position by turning leveling nuts, is anchored to a floor. The system further includes a male key member attached to the side surface of the steam generator and a female stop member attached to an adjacent wall. The male key member and the female stop member coact to laterally support the steam generator. Moreover, the system includes a snubber assembly connected to the side surface of the steam generator and also attached to the adjacent wall for dampening lateral movement of the steam generator. In addition, the system includes a restraining member of "flat" attached to the side surface of the steam generator and a bumper attached to the adjacent wall. The flat and the bumper coact to further laterally support the steam generator.

Claims22

Dependent claims

A system for supporting a heat exchanger vessel having a bottom surface and a side surface, comprising:

(a) means connected to the bottom surface for vertically supporting the vessel, said vertical support means including:
(i) a bracket attached to the bottom surface of the vessel;
and
(ii) a vertical support member pivotally connected to said bracket;
(b) upper support means connected to and disposed adjacent to the side surface for laterally supporting the vessel;
and
(c) means attached to the side surface for dampening lateral movement of the vessel.

4 more elements

A system for supporting a heat exchanger having an exterior bottom surface and an exterior side surface, comprising:

(a) a bracket attached to the bottom surface of the heat exchanger, said bracket having a hole transversely therethrough;
(b) a support column pivotally connected to said bracket for vertically supporting the heat exchanger, said support column having a distal end portion having a first bore transversely therethrough coaxially aligned to the hole in said bracket, said support column having a proximal end portion having a second bore transversely therethrough;
and
(c) a first bearing disposed in the hole in said bracket and a second bearing disposed in the second bore of said support column, said first bearing and said second bearing having a passage therethrough.

1 more element

A system for vertically and laterally supporting a nuclear steam generator having a lower portion having a horizontal exterior bottom surface and having a vertical exterior side surface, comprising:

(a) a bracket attached to and depending from the bottom surface of the steam generator, said bracket having a circular hole transversely therethrough;
(b) a vertical support column pivotally connected to said bracket for vertically supporting the steam generator, said support column having a distal end portion having a first circular bore transversely therethrough coaxially aligned to the hole in said bracket, said support column having a proximal end portion having a second circular bore transversely therethrough;
and
(c) a spherical first bearing matingly disposed in the hole in said bracket and a spherical second bearing matingly disposed in the second bore of said support column, said first bearing and said second bearing having a passage therethrough.

1 more element

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.

Vessel structural support system

Life of this patent

Vessel structural support system

Life of this patent

Abstract

Claims22