Assembly and method for testing the integrity of stuffing tubes

Patent · Wed Jan 01 00:00:00 EST 1997

OSTI ID:871117

Morrison, Edward Francis ^[1]

---

1. Burnt Hills, NY

A stuffing tube integrity checking assembly includes first and second annular seals, with each seal adapted to be positioned about a stuffing tube penetration component. An annular inflation bladder is provided, the bladder having a slot extending longitudinally therealong and including a separator for sealing the slot. A first valve is in fluid communication with the bladder for introducing pressurized fluid to the space defined by the bladder when mounted about the tube. First and second releasible clamps are provided. Each clamp assembly is positioned about the bladder for securing the bladder to one of the seals for thereby establishing a fluid-tight chamber about the tube.

• Research Organization: Knolls Atomic Power Laboratory (KAPL), Niskayuna, NY (United States)
• Sponsoring Organization: USDOE
• DOE Contract Number: AB01-95GC20394
• Assignee: United States of America as represented by United States (Washington, DC)
• Patent Number(s): US 5661230
• OSTI ID: 871117
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

Related Subjects

assembly
method
testing
integrity
stuffing
tubes
tube
checking
annular
seals
seal
adapted
positioned
penetration
component
inflation
bladder
provided
slot
extending
longitudinally
therealong
including
separator
sealing
valve
fluid
communication
introducing
pressurized
space
defined
mounted
releasible
clamps
clamp
securing
establishing
fluid-tight
chamber
space defined
extending longitudinally
fluid communication
pressurized fluid
annular seal
lamp assembly
stuffing tube
tight chamber
introducing pressurized
/73/