Reactor internals through-hole grapple

Patent · Tue Apr 24 04:00:00 EDT 1990

OSTI ID:6564194

Hankinson, M F; Swidwa, K J; Salton, R B

This patent describes an improved reactor internals lifting rig including a reactor internals through-hole grapple device for lifting and transporting an internals structure of a nuclear reactor, the internals structure including a radial flange thereon having a top and bottom surface with a plurality of holes therebetween. It comprises: a generally vertically disposed cylindrical housing adapted to be secured to the lifting rig; a generally vertically oriented grapple assembly having its upper end partially disposed within the housing and the lower and projecting substantially below the housing and the lifting rig; the lower end of the grapple assembly having an outwardly directed annular shoulder with an upper surface thereon which is adapted to pass through one of the holes and adjacent to the bottom surface of the radial flange, the grapple assembly having a retracted position and an expanded position wherein when in the retracted position the annular shoulder is smaller in diameter than the hole and when in the expanded position the annular shoulder is larger in diameter than the hole such that the upper surface of the annular shoulder is in abutting contact with the bottom surface of the radial flange of the internals structure.

• Assignee: Westinghouse Electric Corp., Pittsburgh, PA (USA)
• Patent Number(s): A; US 4919881
• Application Number: PPN: US s 7-215116
• OSTI ID: 6564194
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

Related Subjects

22 GENERAL STUDIES OF NUCLEAR REACTORS
220200* -- Nuclear Reactor Technology-- Components & Accessories
DESIGN
EQUIPMENT
MATERIALS HANDLING
MATERIALS HANDLING EQUIPMENT
POWER REACTORS
REACTOR COMPONENTS
REACTORS