Steam line plug installation tool

A plug installation tool for remotely installing a plug in a steam outlet nozzle of a reactor pressure vessel having a flange, comprising:

• first and second support members;
• means for translating said second support member toward said first support member from a first position to a second position;
• rigid means for hanging said first support member from said flange and inside said vessel at an azimuth and an elevation such that said plug is aligned with but not inside said steam line nozzle when said second support member is in said first position;
• a strongback assembly coupled to said second support member for securely supporting said plug;
• and
• first actuating means coupled to said translating means such that said second support member is translated from said first position to said second position during manipulation of said first actuating means, whereby said plug is inserted in said steam line nozzle during translation of said second support member from said first position to said second position.

A plug installation tool comprising:

• first and second rigid straight support members;
• a hanging bracket assembly coupled to support said first support member and designed to latch onto a top portion of a flange at a top of a reactor pressure vessel in a manner that prevents displacement of said first support member in downward and radially inward directions relative to said reactor pressure vessel;
• a collapsible assembly coupled to said first and second support members, said second support member being translated toward said first support member during collapse of said collapsible assembly;
• a mounting assembly coupled to said second support member for securely supporting a plug to be translated;
• and
• a first actuating element coupled to said collapsible assembly such that said collapsible assembly collapses in response to manipulation of said first actuating element.