Radioactive debris trap

A radioactive debris trap (10) to be installed in a steam generator having a primary head, for the purpose of removing debris entrained in a primary flow (46) of a nuclear power plant's primary heat transport system, the debris trap (10) comprising:

• an open-topped box (36) comprising a bottom, a front side (40) comprising a top end and a bottom end, a back side (42) comprising a top end, a bottom end (38) and an outer surface, the open-topped box (36) further comprising a right side and a left side;
• an angled plate (44) positioned inside the open-topped box (36) for directing the flow (46) and the debris entrained therein into the radioactive debris trap (10), the angled plate (44) comprising a front end fixedly attached to the front side (40) of the open-topped box (36), a right side fixedly attached to the right side of the open-topped box (36), a left side fixedly attached to the left side of the open-topped box (36) and a back end, the front end of the angled plate (44) being flush with the top end of the front side of the open-topped box (36) and the back end of the angled plate (44) being proximate to both the bottom of the open-topped box (36) and the back side (42) of the open-topped box (36);
• a flow slot (22b) where the fluid and debris enter the radioactive debris trap (10) located between the back end of the angled plate (44) and the back side (42) of the open-topped box (36);
• a plurality of small holes (24) positioned across the front side (40) of the open-topped box (36) below the top end of the front side (40) of the open top box (36), the plurality of small holes (24) being sized to ensure that the gravitational force exerted on the debris entrained in the primary flow (46) is larger than the upward drag force exerted on the debris by the flow (46) itself;
• a settling chamber (48) located below the plurality of holes (24) and between the angled plate (44) and the bottom of the open-topped box (36);
• a means for fixedly attaching the radioactive debris trap (10) to the primary outlet plenum of the steam generator, said means being fixedly attached to the outer surface of the back side (42) of the open-topped box (36);
• and
• a means for removing the radioactive debris trap (10) from the steam generator without exposing personnel to excessive radiation.