Induced nuclear reactions: processes – systems – and elements – Reactor protection or damage prevention – Core restraint means
Patent
1994-05-19
1997-04-15
Wasil, Daniel D.
Induced nuclear reactions: processes, systems, and elements
Reactor protection or damage prevention
Core restraint means
376285, G21C 1900
Patent
active
056217781
ABSTRACT:
A method and an apparatus for stabilizing a shroud against lateral deflection. The shroud restraint stabilizer has springs which exert radially inwardly directed forces that resist lateral deflection of the shroud relative to the reactor pressure vessel. Each stabilizer includes a stabilizer preload spring and a seismic restraint spring. Each spring has resilient arms integrally connected to opposing ends of a common main support span. The resilient arms of the stabilizer preload spring form a first leaf spring of relatively lower stiffness and the resilient arms of the seismic restraint spring form a second leaf spring of relatively higher stiffness. The different stiffnesses are achieved by providing the first leaf spring with a longer base than that of the second leaf spring. The pads on the seismic restraint spring are in contact with the reactor pressure vessel, but are not preloaded under operating conditions. The seismic restraint spring is loaded in response to lateral deflection of the shroud, e.g., during a seismic event. During normal operation, the spring force exerted by the stabilizer preload spring provides restraint support for a shroud with cracked girth welds, thereby reducing new loads that tend to accelerate crack propagation.
REFERENCES:
patent: 3850795 (1974-11-01), Thome
patent: 4379119 (1983-04-01), Fujimoto
patent: 5392322 (1995-02-01), Whitling et al.
patent: 5402570 (1995-04-01), Weems et al.
patent: 5430779 (1995-07-01), Baversten et al.
GE Proposal No. 894-1D7DM-EK1, Revision 1, Core Spray Line Crack Repair, Dec. 9, 1993.
Shroud Repair, Description of Alternatives, Alan N. Baker, Mar. 1994.
Apr. 22, 1994 letter from Al Kozusko & Thomas Sliva of AEA O'Donnell, Inc. to Victor Bain of General Electric Company with annexed Description, facsimile cover sheet and drawings.
Presentation No. 94-004 dated May 2, 1994, by Welding Services Inc. and Structural Integrity Associates, Inc.
General Electric Company
McGinness James E.
Wasil Daniel D.
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