US 5,347,554 A · Outer filter removal tool

Abstract

An improved tool for removing a highly contaminated outer filter from a control rod drive during a maintenance operation. The tool slides onto the control rod drive and surrounds the outer filter with a shield. The shield has a window for removing the screws used to mount the outer filter on the control rod drive. The tool has a support for the spud on the inside thereof. A U-shaped handle is slidably inserted into guideways so that it interlocks with circumferential slots in the shield. The arms of the inserted U-handle latch underneath the ring flange of the outer filter, whereby the outer filter is captured by the tool. The filter-mounting screws are then removed by unscrewing through the aligned window in the shield. Thereafter, the outer filter is removed from the CRD when the outer filter removal tool is lifted.

Claims20

Dependent claims

A tool for removing an outer filter from a control rod drive after a control rod has been uncoupled therefrom, said outer filter having a radially outwardly projecting flange, comprising:

a cylindrical shield having a wall with diametrally opposed first and second circumferentially extending slots of similar shape formed at a predetermined distance from an end of said shield, said shield being sized such that said outer filter fits inside;
means for supporting said shield in a vertical position surrounding said outer filter with said first and second slots at an elevation slightly lower than the elevation of a lower boundary of said outer filter flange;
and
means for coupling said surrounded outer filter to said shield, said coupling means having a fully inserted position whereat first and second portions thereof respectively protrude into said first and second slots;
and
means for retaining said coupling means in said fully inserted position.

3 more elements

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.

Outer filter removal tool

Life of this patent

Outer filter removal tool

Life of this patent

Abstract

Claims20