Support arrangement for core modules of nuclear reactors

Patent · Thu Jan 01 00:00:00 EST 1987

OSTI ID:866146

Bollinger, Lawrence R ^[1]

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1. Schenectady, NY

A support arrangement is provided for the core modules of a nuclear reactor which provides support access through the control drive mechanisms of the reactor. This arrangement provides axial support of individual reactor core modules from the pressure vessel head in a manner which permits attachment and detachment of the modules from the head to be accomplished through the control drive mechanisms after their leadscrews have been removed. The arrangement includes a module support nut which is suspended from the pressure vessel head and screw threaded to the shroud housing for the module. A spline lock prevents loosening of the screw connection. An installation tool assembly, including a cell lifting and preloading tool and a torquing tool, fits through the control drive mechanism and provides lifting of the shroud housing while disconnecting the spline lock, as well as application of torque to the module support nut.

• Research Organization: Knolls Atomic Power Laboratory (KAPL), Niskayuna, NY (United States)
• DOE Contract Number: AC12-76SN00052
• Assignee: United States of America as represented by United States (Washington, DC)
• Patent Number(s): US 4643868
• OSTI ID: 866146
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

Related Subjects

support
arrangement
core
modules
nuclear
reactors
provided
reactor
provides
access
control
drive
mechanisms
axial
individual
pressure
vessel
head
manner
permits
attachment
detachment
accomplished
leadscrews
removed
module
nut
suspended
screw
threaded
shroud
housing
spline
lock
prevents
loosening
connection
installation
tool
assembly
including
cell
lifting
preloading
torquing
fits
mechanism
disconnecting
application
torque
tool assembly
control drive
vessel head
drive mechanism
arrangement provides
nuclear reactors
pressure vessel
nuclear reactor
reactor core
support arrangement
provides support
drive mechanisms
core modules
installation tool
screw thread
/376/294/976/