US 9,218,896 B2 · Narrow annulus permanent canal seal plate

Abstract

A permanent seal for a refueling canal of a nuclear power plant. The seal includes a support structure and a membrane. The support structure includes a first annular plate with ribs connected to and extending from a lower surface of the annular plate. The support structure is positioned atop the shield wall on the refueling canal floor, encircling and positioned near the annulus. The membrane includes a first end that is connected to the seal ledge and a second end that is connected to the refueling canal floor. The membrane has a stepped profile, with side walls extending substantially perpendicularly from a central annular plate to form a pocket configured to fit over the support structure. Loads imparted to the membrane are transferred through the support structure annular plate and ribs to the refueling canal floor.

Claims8

Dependent claims

A permanent seal for providing a liquid barrier over an annular space between a nuclear reactor vessel seal ledge and a surrounding annular ledge, comprising:

a support structure including an annular plate having a first surface and a second surface and a plurality of ribs coupled to said support structure annular plate second surface at first ends thereof and to the annular ledge at second ends thereof;
and
a membrane having a first end coupled to the vessel seal ledge, a second end coupled to the annular ledge, and an annular plate extending between said membrane first and second ends, said membrane annular plate having a first surface and a second surface;
wherein said support structure and said membrane are positioned such that said membrane annular plate second surface is adjacent said support structure annular plate first surface.

1 more element

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.

Narrow annulus permanent canal seal plate

Life of this patent

Narrow annulus permanent canal seal plate

Life of this patent

Abstract

Claims8