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U.S. Department of Energy
Office of Scientific and Technical Information

Assemblies and methods for mitigating effects of reactor pressure vessel expansion

Patent ·
OSTI ID:6188402
Support assemblies for allowing RPV radial expansion while simultaneously limiting horizontal, vertical, and azimuthal movement of the RPV within a nuclear reactor are described. In one embodiment, the support assembly includes a support block and a guide block. The support block includes a first portion and a second portion, and the first portion is rigidly coupled to the RPV adjacent the first portion. The guide block is rigidly coupled to a reactor pressure vessel support structure and includes a channel sized to receive the second portion of the support block. The second portion of the support block is positioned in the guide block channel to movably couple the guide block to the support block. 6 figs.
Research Organization:
General Electric Co
Sponsoring Organization:
DOE; USDOE, Washington, DC (United States)
DOE Contract Number:
AC03-90SF18494
Assignee:
General Electric Co., Schenectady, NY (United States)
Patent Number(s):
A; US 5930320
Application Number:
PPN: US 9-014216
OSTI ID:
6188402
Country of Publication:
United States
Language:
English