Induced nuclear reactions: processes – systems – and elements – Fuel component structure – Having particular end closure or seal
Patent
1984-01-09
1986-09-30
Walsh, Donald P.
Induced nuclear reactions: processes, systems, and elements
Fuel component structure
Having particular end closure or seal
376440, G21C 310
Patent
active
046146369
ABSTRACT:
A thimble tube cap for replacing conventional thimble tube plugs (18) within thimble tubes (10, 110) of a nuclear reactor fuel assembly is fixedly mounted within a holddown assembly base plate (126) so as to cover the upper end of its associated thimble tube (110) fixedly mounted within the fuel assembly top nozzle adaptor plate (114). An axial through-bore (148) is provided within each cap for controlling the volume flow rate of coolant through the thimble tube (110). Each thimble cap includes a disc-shaped base portion (142) and an upstanding shaft portion (144) integrally formed therewith, an annular ledge or shoulder portion (146) being defined therebetween. When the thimble caps are mounted within the holddown assembly base plate (126), the shoulder portion (146) of each cap engages the undersurface (134) of the holddown assembly base plate (126), while the upper rim portion (152) of each cap is swagingly deformed so as to define an annular boss (154) which engages the upper surface (132) of holddown assembly base plate (126). A countersunk portion (156) of the thimble cap defines a peripheral dependent skirt portion (158) whereby when the cap is seated atop the top nozzle adaptor plate (114), the skirt portion (158) annularly surrounds the upper end of the thimble tube (110) which is welded to the top nozzle adaptor plate (114). The disposition of the thimble cap therefore does not interfere with the weldment (116) between the thimble tube (110) and the top nozzle plate (114).
REFERENCES:
patent: 4189348 (1980-02-01), Donck
patent: 4420458 (1983-12-01), Dunlap
Walsh Donald P.
Westinghouse Electric Corp.
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