CA2732895C - Nuclear reactor end fitting mock-up assembly - Google Patents
Nuclear reactor end fitting mock-up assembly Download PDFInfo
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- CA2732895C CA2732895C CA2732895A CA2732895A CA2732895C CA 2732895 C CA2732895 C CA 2732895C CA 2732895 A CA2732895 A CA 2732895A CA 2732895 A CA2732895 A CA 2732895A CA 2732895 C CA2732895 C CA 2732895C
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- Canada
- Prior art keywords
- end fitting
- sleeve
- support wall
- dummy end
- assembly
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Classifications
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- G—PHYSICS
- G21—NUCLEAR PHYSICS; NUCLEAR ENGINEERING
- G21C—NUCLEAR REACTORS
- G21C17/00—Monitoring; Testing ; Maintaining
- G21C17/06—Devices or arrangements for monitoring or testing fuel or fuel elements outside the reactor core, e.g. for burn-up, for contamination
-
- G—PHYSICS
- G21—NUCLEAR PHYSICS; NUCLEAR ENGINEERING
- G21C—NUCLEAR REACTORS
- G21C17/00—Monitoring; Testing ; Maintaining
- G21C17/10—Structural combination of fuel element, control rod, reactor core, or moderator structure with sensitive instruments, e.g. for measuring radioactivity, strain
-
- G—PHYSICS
- G21—NUCLEAR PHYSICS; NUCLEAR ENGINEERING
- G21C—NUCLEAR REACTORS
- G21C19/00—Arrangements for treating, for handling, or for facilitating the handling of, fuel or other materials which are used within the reactor, e.g. within its pressure vessel
- G21C19/14—Arrangements for treating, for handling, or for facilitating the handling of, fuel or other materials which are used within the reactor, e.g. within its pressure vessel characterised by their adaptation for use with horizontal channels in the reactor core
-
- G—PHYSICS
- G21—NUCLEAR PHYSICS; NUCLEAR ENGINEERING
- G21C—NUCLEAR REACTORS
- G21C21/00—Apparatus or processes specially adapted to the manufacture of reactors or parts thereof
-
- G—PHYSICS
- G21—NUCLEAR PHYSICS; NUCLEAR ENGINEERING
- G21C—NUCLEAR REACTORS
- G21C3/00—Reactor fuel elements and their assemblies; Selection of substances for use as reactor fuel elements
- G21C3/30—Assemblies of a number of fuel elements in the form of a rigid unit
- G21C3/32—Bundles of parallel pin-, rod-, or tube-shaped fuel elements
- G21C3/334—Assembling, maintenance or repair of the bundles
-
- Y—GENERAL TAGGING OF NEW TECHNOLOGICAL DEVELOPMENTS; GENERAL TAGGING OF CROSS-SECTIONAL TECHNOLOGIES SPANNING OVER SEVERAL SECTIONS OF THE IPC; TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER USPC CROSS-REFERENCE ART COLLECTIONS [XRACs] AND DIGESTS
- Y02—TECHNOLOGIES OR APPLICATIONS FOR MITIGATION OR ADAPTATION AGAINST CLIMATE CHANGE
- Y02E—REDUCTION OF GREENHOUSE GAS [GHG] EMISSIONS, RELATED TO ENERGY GENERATION, TRANSMISSION OR DISTRIBUTION
- Y02E30/00—Energy generation of nuclear origin
- Y02E30/30—Nuclear fission reactors
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- Physics & Mathematics (AREA)
- Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
- Plasma & Fusion (AREA)
- General Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
- High Energy & Nuclear Physics (AREA)
- Monitoring And Testing Of Nuclear Reactors (AREA)
- Connections Arranged To Contact A Plurality Of Conductors (AREA)
Abstract
A mock-up assembly for simulating as found nuclear reactor end fitting conditions has a front support wall and a rear support wall where the front support wall has a plurality of front circular openings that represent as found end shield outer tube sheet bores of the nuclear reactor. Dummy end fittings pass through corresponding front openings and are each telescopically received within a sleeve secured to the rear support wall. The sleeve extends forward from the rear support wall toward the front support wall and is spaced from the front support wall. The sleeve has a guide slot extending back from a leading edge portion thereof. A locking device is located between the front and rear support walls and attaches the sleeve and dummy end fitting in axial telescopic positional relation.
Description
NUCLEAR REACTOR END FITTING MOCK-UP ASSEMBLY
The present invention relates to a mock-up assembly for simulating as found nuclear reactor end fitting conditions suitable for use in testing, training and proving of tools to be used in the reactor environment.
BACKGROUND
The end fittings for a CANDUTM nuclear reactor form part of the primary heat transfer system of the reactor. The end fittings are connected with pressure tubes that run through the reactor core and carry fuel bundles. Within the reactor core, the pressure tubes are surrounded by calandria tubes spaced therefrom by garter springs.
Heavy water is circulated into and out of the reactor through the end fittings and the pressure tubes which contain fuel bundles. The end fittings also provide connection points for a fuelling machine to lock onto for the insertion and removal of fuel into the pressure tubes of the fuel channel. Each end fitting has a closure plug to maintain water pressure in the channel and the closure plug is removed by the fuelling machine creating an opening through which a new fuel bundle carried by the fuelling machine is inserted into the fuel channel and spent fuel bundles are removed at the opposite end of the reactor. In a CANDUTM nuclear reactor there may be as many as 480 fuel channels having opposite ends connected to an end fitting. =
In the past, the nuclear reactor industry has developed various mock-up devices for testing various aspects of the as found reactor design in a non-radioactive mock-up site or building located near the reactor. At these mock-up sites, tool testing and proving can be performed prior to the tool being used in the radioactive environment of the nuclear reactor. One such mock-up assembly that has been developed for testing tooling to be used with the end fittings is a 3 x 3 array mock-up of end fittings.
The 3 x 3 array mock-up of end fittings typically has one target end fitting surrounded by eight dummy end fittings. The target end fitting has the same geometry as the as found end fittings in the nuclear reactor and is mounted in a lattice tube within the mock-up in the same manner as the as found end fitting in the nuclear reactor. The target end fitting is used to test new tooling for purposes of fuelling the reactor, fuel channel inspection, fuel channel replacement, tool training and tool proving associated with any operation to be performed on a fuel channel. The dummy end fittings provide the representative end fitting geometry to the target end fitting in the reactor environment and are available to react the tooling forces associated with the tools used on the target end fitting. In some instances tooling may clamp onto adjacent dummy end fittings needed to react the tooling. Usually, testing instructions for the tooling may relate to a full 360 degrees about the target end fitting, and hence the target end fitting is typically located in the central site of the 3 x 3 array with dummy end fittings located in the other eight sites surrounding the target end fitting.
In this mock-up assembly, two opposing face plates or support walls, representing inner and outer tube sheets of the calandria, each have nine aligned openings interspaced by a lattice tube extending between each of the aligned openings and connected to each of the face plates. The lattice tubes are adapted to support the eight dummy end fittings and the target end fitting. Each lattice tube has two axially spaced bearings located in the tube for receiving in sliding free floating relation between these bearings a leading end portion of the dummy end fitting or target end fitting. The mock-up assembly further includes an external clamping assembly located on the outside of one of the end plates for clamping to the dummy end fitting so as to restrain the dummy end fitting axially. While this arrangement is able to provide a mock-up that accounts for as found pressure tube creep, this mock-up requires many components to be assembled in setting up the mock-up including a full length lattice tube that extends between the face plates, internal lattice tube bearings, and an external clamping mechanism.
It would be desirable to be able to provide a mock-up assembly for end fittings that does not require the use of internal bearings, lattice tubes that span the space between the end plates, and an externally mounted clamping assembly while still providing for axial positioning of the dummy end fitting.
The present invention relates to a mock-up assembly for simulating as found nuclear reactor end fitting conditions suitable for use in testing, training and proving of tools to be used in the reactor environment.
BACKGROUND
The end fittings for a CANDUTM nuclear reactor form part of the primary heat transfer system of the reactor. The end fittings are connected with pressure tubes that run through the reactor core and carry fuel bundles. Within the reactor core, the pressure tubes are surrounded by calandria tubes spaced therefrom by garter springs.
Heavy water is circulated into and out of the reactor through the end fittings and the pressure tubes which contain fuel bundles. The end fittings also provide connection points for a fuelling machine to lock onto for the insertion and removal of fuel into the pressure tubes of the fuel channel. Each end fitting has a closure plug to maintain water pressure in the channel and the closure plug is removed by the fuelling machine creating an opening through which a new fuel bundle carried by the fuelling machine is inserted into the fuel channel and spent fuel bundles are removed at the opposite end of the reactor. In a CANDUTM nuclear reactor there may be as many as 480 fuel channels having opposite ends connected to an end fitting. =
In the past, the nuclear reactor industry has developed various mock-up devices for testing various aspects of the as found reactor design in a non-radioactive mock-up site or building located near the reactor. At these mock-up sites, tool testing and proving can be performed prior to the tool being used in the radioactive environment of the nuclear reactor. One such mock-up assembly that has been developed for testing tooling to be used with the end fittings is a 3 x 3 array mock-up of end fittings.
The 3 x 3 array mock-up of end fittings typically has one target end fitting surrounded by eight dummy end fittings. The target end fitting has the same geometry as the as found end fittings in the nuclear reactor and is mounted in a lattice tube within the mock-up in the same manner as the as found end fitting in the nuclear reactor. The target end fitting is used to test new tooling for purposes of fuelling the reactor, fuel channel inspection, fuel channel replacement, tool training and tool proving associated with any operation to be performed on a fuel channel. The dummy end fittings provide the representative end fitting geometry to the target end fitting in the reactor environment and are available to react the tooling forces associated with the tools used on the target end fitting. In some instances tooling may clamp onto adjacent dummy end fittings needed to react the tooling. Usually, testing instructions for the tooling may relate to a full 360 degrees about the target end fitting, and hence the target end fitting is typically located in the central site of the 3 x 3 array with dummy end fittings located in the other eight sites surrounding the target end fitting.
In this mock-up assembly, two opposing face plates or support walls, representing inner and outer tube sheets of the calandria, each have nine aligned openings interspaced by a lattice tube extending between each of the aligned openings and connected to each of the face plates. The lattice tubes are adapted to support the eight dummy end fittings and the target end fitting. Each lattice tube has two axially spaced bearings located in the tube for receiving in sliding free floating relation between these bearings a leading end portion of the dummy end fitting or target end fitting. The mock-up assembly further includes an external clamping assembly located on the outside of one of the end plates for clamping to the dummy end fitting so as to restrain the dummy end fitting axially. While this arrangement is able to provide a mock-up that accounts for as found pressure tube creep, this mock-up requires many components to be assembled in setting up the mock-up including a full length lattice tube that extends between the face plates, internal lattice tube bearings, and an external clamping mechanism.
It would be desirable to be able to provide a mock-up assembly for end fittings that does not require the use of internal bearings, lattice tubes that span the space between the end plates, and an externally mounted clamping assembly while still providing for axial positioning of the dummy end fitting.
- 2 -BRIEF DESCRIPTION
The present invention relates to a mock-up assembly for simulating as found nuclear reactor end fitting conditions suitable for use in testing, training and proving of tools to be used in the reactor environment.
In accordance with an aspect of the present invention there is provided a mock-up assembly for simulating as found nuclear reactor end fitting conditions. The assembly comprises a front support wall and a rear support wall mounted in spaced apart fixed relation with each other. The front support wall has a plurality of spaced apart front circular openings extending therethrough wherein the front openings represent as found end shield outer tube sheet bores of the nuclear reactor.
The assembly further comprises a plurality of dummy end fittings each adapted to pass through a corresponding one of the front openings of the front support wall.
The assembly further comprises a plurality of cylindrical sleeves, one for each of the dummy end fittings, being secured to the rear support wall, extending forward from the rear support wall toward the front support wall, and being spaced in non-contacting relation away from the front support wall. Each sleeve is mounted with its longitudinal axis aligned with a corresponding one of the front openings for receiving in axial telescopic positional relation a corresponding one of the dummy end fittings extending through the corresponding one of the front openings.
This use of the cylindrical sleeve mounted to the rear wall and extending forward from the rear wall towards the front wall and being spaced in non-contacting relation with the front wall provides a sleeve that does not extend the full distance between the first and second support walls. Moreover, with the sleeves being adapted to receive telescopically in axially telescopic positional relation a corresponding dummy end fitting there is no requirement for a bearing to be used inside a lattice tube that would extend between the first and second support walls. Accordingly, the structure of the present invention is simplified compared to previous mock-up assemblies.
It is also envisaged that the telescopic arrangement between each cylindrical sleeve and its corresponding dummy end fitting can be such that the cylindrical sleeve
The present invention relates to a mock-up assembly for simulating as found nuclear reactor end fitting conditions suitable for use in testing, training and proving of tools to be used in the reactor environment.
In accordance with an aspect of the present invention there is provided a mock-up assembly for simulating as found nuclear reactor end fitting conditions. The assembly comprises a front support wall and a rear support wall mounted in spaced apart fixed relation with each other. The front support wall has a plurality of spaced apart front circular openings extending therethrough wherein the front openings represent as found end shield outer tube sheet bores of the nuclear reactor.
The assembly further comprises a plurality of dummy end fittings each adapted to pass through a corresponding one of the front openings of the front support wall.
The assembly further comprises a plurality of cylindrical sleeves, one for each of the dummy end fittings, being secured to the rear support wall, extending forward from the rear support wall toward the front support wall, and being spaced in non-contacting relation away from the front support wall. Each sleeve is mounted with its longitudinal axis aligned with a corresponding one of the front openings for receiving in axial telescopic positional relation a corresponding one of the dummy end fittings extending through the corresponding one of the front openings.
This use of the cylindrical sleeve mounted to the rear wall and extending forward from the rear wall towards the front wall and being spaced in non-contacting relation with the front wall provides a sleeve that does not extend the full distance between the first and second support walls. Moreover, with the sleeves being adapted to receive telescopically in axially telescopic positional relation a corresponding dummy end fitting there is no requirement for a bearing to be used inside a lattice tube that would extend between the first and second support walls. Accordingly, the structure of the present invention is simplified compared to previous mock-up assemblies.
It is also envisaged that the telescopic arrangement between each cylindrical sleeve and its corresponding dummy end fitting can be such that the cylindrical sleeve
-3 -has an outer diameter which is less than the inner diameter of the dummy end fitting or alternatively the cylindrical sleeve has an inside diameter that is greater than the outside diameter of the dummy end fitting.
The mock-up assembly may further comprise a locking device located between the front and rear support walls. The locking device is attached to both of the sleeve and its corresponding dummy end fitting so as to fix the axial telescopic positional relation of the sleeve with its corresponding dummy end fitting. It is also envisaged that the locking device may further fix the angular relationship between the sleeve and its corresponding dummy end fitting.
The locking device is readily accessible between the front and rear support walls permitting the fixing of the axially telescopic positional relation or displacement between the dummy end fitting and its corresponding sleeve. By locking the axially relative position of the sleeve and its corresponding dummy end fitting, the dummy end fitting can be positioned externally of the front support wall in and as found nuclear reactor end fitting condition. Moreover, the relative axial position between different dummy end fittings in the mock-up assembly, allows each of the dummy end fittings to be in a correct axial position that simulates the as found end fitting creep conditions in the reactor. Further, the locking device may result in the angular relationship between the sleeve and its corresponding end fitting being fixed thereby accommodating for variable positions of the feeder tubes on the dummy end fittings of different reactor designs.
It is envisaged that the locking mechanism may take on several different embodiments. For example, the locking mechanism could comprise a pipe clamp surrounding the sleeve with a spring lock or screw type lock extending radially through the sleeve into engagement with an outer surface of the dummy end fitting telescopically received within the sleeve. This engagement may comprise an interference fit or there could be a corresponding dimple or hole in the sleeve through which the lock would pass. Alternatively, the pipe clamp could be mounted about the outside wall of the dummy end fitting and dummy end fitting could pass over the sleeve. It is further envisaged that the locking device may comprise a threaded bolt
The mock-up assembly may further comprise a locking device located between the front and rear support walls. The locking device is attached to both of the sleeve and its corresponding dummy end fitting so as to fix the axial telescopic positional relation of the sleeve with its corresponding dummy end fitting. It is also envisaged that the locking device may further fix the angular relationship between the sleeve and its corresponding dummy end fitting.
The locking device is readily accessible between the front and rear support walls permitting the fixing of the axially telescopic positional relation or displacement between the dummy end fitting and its corresponding sleeve. By locking the axially relative position of the sleeve and its corresponding dummy end fitting, the dummy end fitting can be positioned externally of the front support wall in and as found nuclear reactor end fitting condition. Moreover, the relative axial position between different dummy end fittings in the mock-up assembly, allows each of the dummy end fittings to be in a correct axial position that simulates the as found end fitting creep conditions in the reactor. Further, the locking device may result in the angular relationship between the sleeve and its corresponding end fitting being fixed thereby accommodating for variable positions of the feeder tubes on the dummy end fittings of different reactor designs.
It is envisaged that the locking mechanism may take on several different embodiments. For example, the locking mechanism could comprise a pipe clamp surrounding the sleeve with a spring lock or screw type lock extending radially through the sleeve into engagement with an outer surface of the dummy end fitting telescopically received within the sleeve. This engagement may comprise an interference fit or there could be a corresponding dimple or hole in the sleeve through which the lock would pass. Alternatively, the pipe clamp could be mounted about the outside wall of the dummy end fitting and dummy end fitting could pass over the sleeve. It is further envisaged that the locking device may comprise a threaded bolt
- 4 -mechanism passing through the sleeve for engagement with one of the series of apertures extending linearly along the dummy end fitting portion that slides within the corresponding sleeve.
In a preferred aspect of the mock-up assembly, one of each said sleeve and its corresponding dummy end fitting has a leading edge surface portion, a tubular portion extending back from the leading edge surface portion, and at least one guide slot in the tubular portion extending longitudinally back from the leading edge surface portion.
The locking device may be mounted to the tubular portion and may have a locking mechanism adjustably moveable along the guide slot for engaging the other one of each said sleeve and its corresponding dummy end fitting for fixing the relative axial telescopic position of the sleeve with its corresponding dummy end fitting.
The other of each said sleeve and its corresponding dummy end fitting may have a protrusion adapted to slide along the guide slot restricting relative angular displacement between the sleeve and its corresponding dummy end fitting and permitting telescopic movement between the sleeve and its corresponding dummy end fitting.
The rear support plate may comprises at least one rear circular opening representing an as found end shield inner sheet bore which is axially aligned with a corresponding one of the front circular openings. The assembly may further comprise a lattice tube extending between the rear circular opening and the aligned front circular opening, and a target end fitting adapted to pass through the aligned circular front opening for reception in the lattice tube.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
For a better understanding of the nature and objects of the present invention reference may be had by way of example to the accompanying diagrammatic drawings in which:
Figure 1 is a perspective view of a mock-up assembly for simulating as found reactor end fitting conditions in accordance with the present invention.
In a preferred aspect of the mock-up assembly, one of each said sleeve and its corresponding dummy end fitting has a leading edge surface portion, a tubular portion extending back from the leading edge surface portion, and at least one guide slot in the tubular portion extending longitudinally back from the leading edge surface portion.
The locking device may be mounted to the tubular portion and may have a locking mechanism adjustably moveable along the guide slot for engaging the other one of each said sleeve and its corresponding dummy end fitting for fixing the relative axial telescopic position of the sleeve with its corresponding dummy end fitting.
The other of each said sleeve and its corresponding dummy end fitting may have a protrusion adapted to slide along the guide slot restricting relative angular displacement between the sleeve and its corresponding dummy end fitting and permitting telescopic movement between the sleeve and its corresponding dummy end fitting.
The rear support plate may comprises at least one rear circular opening representing an as found end shield inner sheet bore which is axially aligned with a corresponding one of the front circular openings. The assembly may further comprise a lattice tube extending between the rear circular opening and the aligned front circular opening, and a target end fitting adapted to pass through the aligned circular front opening for reception in the lattice tube.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
For a better understanding of the nature and objects of the present invention reference may be had by way of example to the accompanying diagrammatic drawings in which:
Figure 1 is a perspective view of a mock-up assembly for simulating as found reactor end fitting conditions in accordance with the present invention.
-5 -Figure 2 is an enlarged perspective view of a first end of the mock-up assembly shown in Figure 1.
Figure 3 is a perspective view of the dummy lattice tube partial sleeve of the present invention.
Figure 4 is a plan view of the dummy lattice tube partial sleeve of the present invention.
Figure 4A is an end view of Figure 4.
Figure 5 is a perspective view of the dummy end fitting of the present invention.
Figure 6 is a sectional side view showing the interconnection between the dummy lattice tube partial sleeve and the dummy end fitting of the present invention.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
Referring to Figure 1 there is shown a mock-up assembly 10 for simulating as found nuclear reactor end fitting conditions. The mock-up assembly 10 comprises two spaced apart base platforms 12 each having base framing 14 for supporting a corresponding 3 X 3 end fitting assembly 16. The support frame sections 14 of the mock-up assembly 10 are interconnected by an axially extending weldment 18. It should be understood that any number of end fittings may be utilized within the realm of the present invention, such as, for example, 4 X 4, 3 X 6, and 4 X 8 end fittings.
Also, it should be appreciated that the distance between the end fitting assemblies represents the distance across the calandria core of the nuclear reactor being simulated by the mock-up assembly. The 3 X 3 end fitting assemblies 16 are also vertically adjustable by means of a vertical guide post 104 and three screw jacks 106 (only one of which is shown) for vertically lifting the framing 14 relative to the base platform 12. The screw jacks are operable by a single motor and gear box (not shown).
Referring now to Figures 1 and 2, each of the 3 X 3 end fitting assemblies comprise a front support wall 20 and a rear support wall 22. Walls 20 and 22
Figure 3 is a perspective view of the dummy lattice tube partial sleeve of the present invention.
Figure 4 is a plan view of the dummy lattice tube partial sleeve of the present invention.
Figure 4A is an end view of Figure 4.
Figure 5 is a perspective view of the dummy end fitting of the present invention.
Figure 6 is a sectional side view showing the interconnection between the dummy lattice tube partial sleeve and the dummy end fitting of the present invention.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
Referring to Figure 1 there is shown a mock-up assembly 10 for simulating as found nuclear reactor end fitting conditions. The mock-up assembly 10 comprises two spaced apart base platforms 12 each having base framing 14 for supporting a corresponding 3 X 3 end fitting assembly 16. The support frame sections 14 of the mock-up assembly 10 are interconnected by an axially extending weldment 18. It should be understood that any number of end fittings may be utilized within the realm of the present invention, such as, for example, 4 X 4, 3 X 6, and 4 X 8 end fittings.
Also, it should be appreciated that the distance between the end fitting assemblies represents the distance across the calandria core of the nuclear reactor being simulated by the mock-up assembly. The 3 X 3 end fitting assemblies 16 are also vertically adjustable by means of a vertical guide post 104 and three screw jacks 106 (only one of which is shown) for vertically lifting the framing 14 relative to the base platform 12. The screw jacks are operable by a single motor and gear box (not shown).
Referring now to Figures 1 and 2, each of the 3 X 3 end fitting assemblies comprise a front support wall 20 and a rear support wall 22. Walls 20 and 22
- 6 -comprise rectangular plates in the embodiment shown. The front support wall 20 is spaced apart from the rear support wall 22 by four tube sheet spacer bars 24 located in the corners of the walls 20, 22. Each spacer bar 24 has threaded end portions that pass through the support walls 20, 22 and are secured in place by nuts 26. The front support wall 20 and the rear support wall 22 simulate the locations of the inner and outer tube sheets of the calandria of a nuclear reactor.
Each of the front support wall 20 and the rear support wall 22 each respectively comprise front and rear circular openings 28, 30. The front and rear circular openings 28, 30 are aligned relative to each other and represent respectively the outer and inner tube sheets boars of a nuclear reactor.
Extending outwardly of the front support wall 20 are a plurality of dummy end fittings 32 and a single target end fitting 34. The target end fitting 34 is centrally located to the dummy end fittings 32. It should be understood that the relative positioning of the target end fitting 34 with the dummy end fittings 32 may vary and that more than one target end fitting may be utilized.
The target end fitting 34 has a target end fitting bellows 36 and is received within a full lattice tube 38 extending completely between the front support wall 20 and the rear support wall 22. The target end fitting is mounted in position relative to the front support wall 20 by positioning assembly 108 attached to each of the front support wall 20 and the target end fitting 34. The lattice tube 38 carries journal bearings allowing the target end fitting 34 to be mounted within the lattice tube. The target end fitting 34 has an inner portion (not shown) extending within the lattice tube 38 that is connected to a pressure tube that in turn extends within a calandria tube 40 spanning the gap between the 3 X 3 end fitting assemblies 16. As shown in Figure 1, the calandria tube 40 has a bell shaped end portion 42 held in place with the end fitting assemblies 16 by a calandria tube insert 44 within the rear support wall 22 representing the inner lattice tube sheet. The target end fitting has external and internal surface geometries that correspond to those of the as found end fitting being simulated. As a result of these internal and external surface geometries, testing of tooling may be performed on the target end fittings 32 for the purposes of fueling the
Each of the front support wall 20 and the rear support wall 22 each respectively comprise front and rear circular openings 28, 30. The front and rear circular openings 28, 30 are aligned relative to each other and represent respectively the outer and inner tube sheets boars of a nuclear reactor.
Extending outwardly of the front support wall 20 are a plurality of dummy end fittings 32 and a single target end fitting 34. The target end fitting 34 is centrally located to the dummy end fittings 32. It should be understood that the relative positioning of the target end fitting 34 with the dummy end fittings 32 may vary and that more than one target end fitting may be utilized.
The target end fitting 34 has a target end fitting bellows 36 and is received within a full lattice tube 38 extending completely between the front support wall 20 and the rear support wall 22. The target end fitting is mounted in position relative to the front support wall 20 by positioning assembly 108 attached to each of the front support wall 20 and the target end fitting 34. The lattice tube 38 carries journal bearings allowing the target end fitting 34 to be mounted within the lattice tube. The target end fitting 34 has an inner portion (not shown) extending within the lattice tube 38 that is connected to a pressure tube that in turn extends within a calandria tube 40 spanning the gap between the 3 X 3 end fitting assemblies 16. As shown in Figure 1, the calandria tube 40 has a bell shaped end portion 42 held in place with the end fitting assemblies 16 by a calandria tube insert 44 within the rear support wall 22 representing the inner lattice tube sheet. The target end fitting has external and internal surface geometries that correspond to those of the as found end fitting being simulated. As a result of these internal and external surface geometries, testing of tooling may be performed on the target end fittings 32 for the purposes of fueling the
- 7 -reactor, fuel channel inspection, fuel channel replacement, tool training and tool proving associated with any operation to be performed on a fuel channel. The target end fitting 34 has the same geometry as the as found end fittings in the nuclear reactor being simulated.
Surrounding the target end fitting 34 are eight dummy end fittings 32.
Dummy end fittings 32 are representative of the external end fitting geometry relative to the target end fitting in the reactor environment and are available to react the forces associated with tools used on a target end fitting. That is tooling may clamp onto the adjacent dummy end fittings to provide the end fittings needed to react the tooling being tested on the target end fitting 34. It should be understood that while the a dummy end fitting 32 may have internal and external surface geometries corresponding to those of the as found end fitting being simulated, in the preferred embodiment, the dummy end fittings 32 have an external geometry for that portion of the dummy end fitting 32 that extends forward out from the front support wall 20 of the mock-up assembly 10 that corresponds to the as found dummy end fitting being simulated. The dummy end fitting 32 does not require its internal geometry corresponds to the internal geometry of the as found end fitting under simulation because the dummy end fitting 32 is not used with the tooling in the same manner as the target end fitting is to be used. Further, the geometry of the dummy end fitting 32 positioned between the front and rear support walls 20, 22 is not required to correspond that of the as found end fitting located at this position because the dummy end fitting is used to react the tooling located outside of the front support wall. In the preferred embodiment, that portion of the dummy end fitting positioned between the front and rear support walls 20, 22 is of uniform cylindrical shape for telescopic reception in sleeve 60 as discussed in more detail hereinafter.
Referring now to Figure 5, there is shown a perspective view of one of the dummy end fittings 32. It will be noted that this dummy end fitting has a closure end face 46 and a main tubular portion 48 which carries at one end thereof the feeder mount 50. The dummy end fitting 32 includes a leading end portion 52 of uniform diameter and cylindrical shape having two sets of paired apertures 54, 56 and 58. The paired apertures 54, 56 and 58 are located in various different angular positions about
Surrounding the target end fitting 34 are eight dummy end fittings 32.
Dummy end fittings 32 are representative of the external end fitting geometry relative to the target end fitting in the reactor environment and are available to react the forces associated with tools used on a target end fitting. That is tooling may clamp onto the adjacent dummy end fittings to provide the end fittings needed to react the tooling being tested on the target end fitting 34. It should be understood that while the a dummy end fitting 32 may have internal and external surface geometries corresponding to those of the as found end fitting being simulated, in the preferred embodiment, the dummy end fittings 32 have an external geometry for that portion of the dummy end fitting 32 that extends forward out from the front support wall 20 of the mock-up assembly 10 that corresponds to the as found dummy end fitting being simulated. The dummy end fitting 32 does not require its internal geometry corresponds to the internal geometry of the as found end fitting under simulation because the dummy end fitting 32 is not used with the tooling in the same manner as the target end fitting is to be used. Further, the geometry of the dummy end fitting 32 positioned between the front and rear support walls 20, 22 is not required to correspond that of the as found end fitting located at this position because the dummy end fitting is used to react the tooling located outside of the front support wall. In the preferred embodiment, that portion of the dummy end fitting positioned between the front and rear support walls 20, 22 is of uniform cylindrical shape for telescopic reception in sleeve 60 as discussed in more detail hereinafter.
Referring now to Figure 5, there is shown a perspective view of one of the dummy end fittings 32. It will be noted that this dummy end fitting has a closure end face 46 and a main tubular portion 48 which carries at one end thereof the feeder mount 50. The dummy end fitting 32 includes a leading end portion 52 of uniform diameter and cylindrical shape having two sets of paired apertures 54, 56 and 58. The paired apertures 54, 56 and 58 are located in various different angular positions about
- 8 -the dummy end fitting and are also located axially at different locations along the length of the dummy end fitting 32. Each one of the pairs of apertures 54, 56, and 58 are spaced apart axially along the dummy end fitting 32. One set of paired apertures 54, 56 and 58 is shown in Figure 5. The other or second set of paired apertures are located diagonally opposite the shown pairs and are not visible in Figure 5.
These apertures 54, 56 and 58 are made in the dummy end fitting 32 so as to represent various lengths of end fittings for differing reactor environments. The purpose of the aperture sets 54, 56 and 58 is subsequently described.
Referring now to Figures 2, 3, and 4 there is shown a plurality of cylindrical sleeves 60 which functions as a dummy lattice tube. Sleeve 60 is mounted to the rear support wall 22 by a lugs 62 screwed into the rear support wall 22. The sleeve includes a rim or rims 64 over which the ear of the lugs 62 fit so as to secure the sleeve relative to the rear support wall 22. The sleeve 60 has finger flanges 76 that pass through and engage a corresponding rear circular opening 30 in the rear support wall 22. In this manner, the sleeve 60 is held in axial alignment with the front circular opening 28 of the front support wall. As shown in Figures 1 and 2, the sleeve extends from the rear support wall 22 towards the front support wall 20 and is spaced in non-contacting relation away from the support wall 20.
As further shown in Figures 1 and 2, the dummy end fittings 32 are shown to be telescopically received within the sleeve 60. In this regard, leading end portion 52 of the dummy end fitting 32 has a uniform diameter and cylindrical shape which is not of reduced diameter which reduced diameter is joined with a pressure tube as is present in an end fitting used in a nuclear reactor environment. The inside diameter of the sleeve 60 is slightly greater than the outside diameter of the dummy end fitting 32 along end portion 52. As shown in Figure 2, the dummy end fitting 32 passes through the front circular opening 28 into the area 100 between the front and rear support walls 20, 22 and is moveable axially and telescopically into and relative with the sleeve 60.
Also as shown in Figure 2 each of the dummy end fittings has a dummy bellows 66 surrounding the dummy end fitting 32 adjacent the front end of the front support wall 20.
These apertures 54, 56 and 58 are made in the dummy end fitting 32 so as to represent various lengths of end fittings for differing reactor environments. The purpose of the aperture sets 54, 56 and 58 is subsequently described.
Referring now to Figures 2, 3, and 4 there is shown a plurality of cylindrical sleeves 60 which functions as a dummy lattice tube. Sleeve 60 is mounted to the rear support wall 22 by a lugs 62 screwed into the rear support wall 22. The sleeve includes a rim or rims 64 over which the ear of the lugs 62 fit so as to secure the sleeve relative to the rear support wall 22. The sleeve 60 has finger flanges 76 that pass through and engage a corresponding rear circular opening 30 in the rear support wall 22. In this manner, the sleeve 60 is held in axial alignment with the front circular opening 28 of the front support wall. As shown in Figures 1 and 2, the sleeve extends from the rear support wall 22 towards the front support wall 20 and is spaced in non-contacting relation away from the support wall 20.
As further shown in Figures 1 and 2, the dummy end fittings 32 are shown to be telescopically received within the sleeve 60. In this regard, leading end portion 52 of the dummy end fitting 32 has a uniform diameter and cylindrical shape which is not of reduced diameter which reduced diameter is joined with a pressure tube as is present in an end fitting used in a nuclear reactor environment. The inside diameter of the sleeve 60 is slightly greater than the outside diameter of the dummy end fitting 32 along end portion 52. As shown in Figure 2, the dummy end fitting 32 passes through the front circular opening 28 into the area 100 between the front and rear support walls 20, 22 and is moveable axially and telescopically into and relative with the sleeve 60.
Also as shown in Figure 2 each of the dummy end fittings has a dummy bellows 66 surrounding the dummy end fitting 32 adjacent the front end of the front support wall 20.
- 9 -This telescopic arrangement of the dummy end fitting 32 within the sleeve 60 eliminates the need for a lattice tube to extend completely between the front support wall 20 and the rear support wall 22 and eliminates the use of bearings in the lattice tube. The axial telescopic positional relation between the sleeve 60 and the dummy end fitting 32 allows for the positioning of the fittings 32 on the mock-up assembly 10 in locations corresponding to as found nuclear reactor end fitting conditions.
Referring to Figures 2 through 5, the relative positioning and locking of dummy end fitting 32 with the sleeve 60 is shown. Each of the sleeves 60 has associated with it a corresponding dummy end fitting 32. Each sleeve 60 has a tubular portion 68 extending back from the leading edge portion 70 of the sleeve 60 towards the rear support wall 22. The tubular portion has two diametrically opposed guide slots 72 that are cut through the sleeve 62 and extend back from the leading edge surface portion 70 towards the rear support wall 22. The slots 72 do not extend the complete length of the sleeve 62.
Each of the dummy end fittings 32 has a protrusion extending there from in the form of a fastener or a socket head cap screw 74. In Figure 6, the socket head cap screw 74 is threadably secured within one of the apertures of the sets of apertures 56.
It should be appreciated that while Figure 6 and the description relate to screw 74 threadably secured within one of the apertures 56, the screw 74 could also be fastened to one of either of apertures 54 or 58 depending on the nuclear reactor design that is being simulated by the dummy end fitting 32. The aperture that the socket head cap screw 74 is located in is the aperture 56a of the aperture set 56 furthest away from the end portion 52 of the dummy end fitting 32. The socket head cap screw 74 is surrounded by a spacer or washer 78 such that the washer 78 and the socket head cap screw 74 are received within the guide slots 72. During the assembly of the dummy end fitting 32 with the sleeve 60, the dummy end fitting 32 is passed through the front circular opening 28 in the front support wall 20. The socket head cap screw 74 and the washer 78 are then inserted into the aperture 56 furthest from the end 76 of the dummy end fitting 32. Thereafter, the dummy end fitting is rotated to align the cap screw 74 and washer 78 with the guide slot 72. The end fitting 32 may then be telescopically inserted into the sleeve 60 in proper angular positioning. This
Referring to Figures 2 through 5, the relative positioning and locking of dummy end fitting 32 with the sleeve 60 is shown. Each of the sleeves 60 has associated with it a corresponding dummy end fitting 32. Each sleeve 60 has a tubular portion 68 extending back from the leading edge portion 70 of the sleeve 60 towards the rear support wall 22. The tubular portion has two diametrically opposed guide slots 72 that are cut through the sleeve 62 and extend back from the leading edge surface portion 70 towards the rear support wall 22. The slots 72 do not extend the complete length of the sleeve 62.
Each of the dummy end fittings 32 has a protrusion extending there from in the form of a fastener or a socket head cap screw 74. In Figure 6, the socket head cap screw 74 is threadably secured within one of the apertures of the sets of apertures 56.
It should be appreciated that while Figure 6 and the description relate to screw 74 threadably secured within one of the apertures 56, the screw 74 could also be fastened to one of either of apertures 54 or 58 depending on the nuclear reactor design that is being simulated by the dummy end fitting 32. The aperture that the socket head cap screw 74 is located in is the aperture 56a of the aperture set 56 furthest away from the end portion 52 of the dummy end fitting 32. The socket head cap screw 74 is surrounded by a spacer or washer 78 such that the washer 78 and the socket head cap screw 74 are received within the guide slots 72. During the assembly of the dummy end fitting 32 with the sleeve 60, the dummy end fitting 32 is passed through the front circular opening 28 in the front support wall 20. The socket head cap screw 74 and the washer 78 are then inserted into the aperture 56 furthest from the end 76 of the dummy end fitting 32. Thereafter, the dummy end fitting is rotated to align the cap screw 74 and washer 78 with the guide slot 72. The end fitting 32 may then be telescopically inserted into the sleeve 60 in proper angular positioning. This
-10-arrangement of the guide slot 72 and the socket head cap screw 74 and washer combination restricts the angular displacement or rotation of the dummy end fitting 32 relative to the sleeve 60.
A locking device 80 is located between the front and rear support walls and is attached to the sleeve 60. The locking device has a fastener or a shoulder screw 82 that is adapted to be rotated and secured into the leading aperture 56b found in the dummy end fitting 32. The shoulder screw 82 comprises a screw having a pin like portion that has a threaded end that passes into the aperture 56b of the dummy end fitting 32. The pin portion passes through a circular shoulder 84 mounted on the end of a threaded shaft 86. Circular shoulder 84 may be welded or formed as part of the threaded shaft 86. The threaded shaft 86 extends along a narrowing slot 88 which is a continuation of the guide slot 72. The sleeve 60 has a cross slot 90 adjacent the junction 102 between the narrowing slot 88 and the guide slot 72. A slot nut 92 is captured in cross slot 90. In Figure 6 the two slot nuts 92 are tightened snug in opposite directions against different fore and aft surfaces of the corresponding cross slot 90that the nut is in. The combination of the shoulder screw 82, shoulder 84, threaded shaft 86 and captured slot nut 92 allows for adjustment in the length of the threaded shaft 86 along the narrowing slot 88 and the guide slot 72 thereby allowing for adjustment of the relative axial position of the shoulder screw 82 in the guide slot 72. Since the threaded portion of the shoulder screw 82 is fastened in the aperture 56 of the dummy end fitting 32 closest to its leading end portion 52, the relative axial position of the dummy end fitting 32 with respect to the sleeve 60 and with respect to the front support wall 20 is adjustable with the adjustment of nuts 92. This adjustment allows for changes in axial displacement of the dummy end fitting relative to the front support wall so as to represent as found creep conditions associated between the end fitting and the end shield of the nuclear reactor.
The head of the shoulder screws 82 acts to fix the corresponding dummy end fitting 32 with the sleeve 60 in an axial telescopic positional relation.
Furthermore, the locking device 80, or shoulder screw 82, passing through the guide slot 72 fixes the angular position relation between the sleeve 60 and its corresponding dummy end fitting 32. The protrusion in the form of socket head cap 74 and washer 78 extending
A locking device 80 is located between the front and rear support walls and is attached to the sleeve 60. The locking device has a fastener or a shoulder screw 82 that is adapted to be rotated and secured into the leading aperture 56b found in the dummy end fitting 32. The shoulder screw 82 comprises a screw having a pin like portion that has a threaded end that passes into the aperture 56b of the dummy end fitting 32. The pin portion passes through a circular shoulder 84 mounted on the end of a threaded shaft 86. Circular shoulder 84 may be welded or formed as part of the threaded shaft 86. The threaded shaft 86 extends along a narrowing slot 88 which is a continuation of the guide slot 72. The sleeve 60 has a cross slot 90 adjacent the junction 102 between the narrowing slot 88 and the guide slot 72. A slot nut 92 is captured in cross slot 90. In Figure 6 the two slot nuts 92 are tightened snug in opposite directions against different fore and aft surfaces of the corresponding cross slot 90that the nut is in. The combination of the shoulder screw 82, shoulder 84, threaded shaft 86 and captured slot nut 92 allows for adjustment in the length of the threaded shaft 86 along the narrowing slot 88 and the guide slot 72 thereby allowing for adjustment of the relative axial position of the shoulder screw 82 in the guide slot 72. Since the threaded portion of the shoulder screw 82 is fastened in the aperture 56 of the dummy end fitting 32 closest to its leading end portion 52, the relative axial position of the dummy end fitting 32 with respect to the sleeve 60 and with respect to the front support wall 20 is adjustable with the adjustment of nuts 92. This adjustment allows for changes in axial displacement of the dummy end fitting relative to the front support wall so as to represent as found creep conditions associated between the end fitting and the end shield of the nuclear reactor.
The head of the shoulder screws 82 acts to fix the corresponding dummy end fitting 32 with the sleeve 60 in an axial telescopic positional relation.
Furthermore, the locking device 80, or shoulder screw 82, passing through the guide slot 72 fixes the angular position relation between the sleeve 60 and its corresponding dummy end fitting 32. The protrusion in the form of socket head cap 74 and washer 78 extending
- 11 -from the dummy end fitting into the guide slot 72 restricts relative angular rotation of movement and the locking device further fixes such relative angular rotational movement.
The assembly of the dummy end fitting 32 to the sleeve 60 comprises the steps of initially passing the dummy end fitting 32 through one of the front circular apertures 28. Next, two screws 74 and corresponding washer 78 are inserted into opposing apertures 56a in each of the opposing pairs of apertures 56. The apertures 56 are chosen to represent the desired simulated nuclear reactor environment.
Alternatively another aperture pair 54 or 58 may be chosen to represent other as found nuclear reactor environments. Once both screws 74 are inserted, the dummy end fitting 32 is rotated so as to align the screw head with corresponding guide slots 72.
The dummy end fitting 32 is then slid telescopically within the sleeve 60 with the relationship between the screw 74 and the guide slot 72 restricting angular movement between the dummy end fitting 32 and the sleeve 60. The dummy end fitting 32 is slid axially relative to the sleeve 60 until the dummy end fitting 32 approximates the desired location within the sleeve 60 to represent the as found creep conditions in the nuclear reactor end fitting under simulation. At this time two locking device 80 are attached to the dummy end fitting 32 and the sleeve 60. The distance between the shoulder screw 82 and the nut 92 of each locking device 80 is adjusted along the threaded shaft 86 allowing the nuts 92 to enter corresponding cross slots 90 as the shoulder screws 82 are threaded into corresponding opposing apertures 56b of the dummy end fitting 32. Thereafter the nuts 92 are adjusted to be lock against different opposite walls of the cross slot 90 as shown in Figure 6. With the snug nuts locked into position in the cross slots 90, the dummy end fitting 32 is secured with the sleeve 60 both in an axial telescopic position and angular position by the locking devices 80.
It should be understood that the foregoing relates to a preferred embodiment for the present invention and that other locking mechanisms may be used. For example, a pipe clamp surrounding the sleeve 60 may also have shoulder screws that pass through the guide slot 72 into the aperture 56. Moreover, a continuous slot or guide slot 72 may not be required as a plurality of apertures may be drilled
The assembly of the dummy end fitting 32 to the sleeve 60 comprises the steps of initially passing the dummy end fitting 32 through one of the front circular apertures 28. Next, two screws 74 and corresponding washer 78 are inserted into opposing apertures 56a in each of the opposing pairs of apertures 56. The apertures 56 are chosen to represent the desired simulated nuclear reactor environment.
Alternatively another aperture pair 54 or 58 may be chosen to represent other as found nuclear reactor environments. Once both screws 74 are inserted, the dummy end fitting 32 is rotated so as to align the screw head with corresponding guide slots 72.
The dummy end fitting 32 is then slid telescopically within the sleeve 60 with the relationship between the screw 74 and the guide slot 72 restricting angular movement between the dummy end fitting 32 and the sleeve 60. The dummy end fitting 32 is slid axially relative to the sleeve 60 until the dummy end fitting 32 approximates the desired location within the sleeve 60 to represent the as found creep conditions in the nuclear reactor end fitting under simulation. At this time two locking device 80 are attached to the dummy end fitting 32 and the sleeve 60. The distance between the shoulder screw 82 and the nut 92 of each locking device 80 is adjusted along the threaded shaft 86 allowing the nuts 92 to enter corresponding cross slots 90 as the shoulder screws 82 are threaded into corresponding opposing apertures 56b of the dummy end fitting 32. Thereafter the nuts 92 are adjusted to be lock against different opposite walls of the cross slot 90 as shown in Figure 6. With the snug nuts locked into position in the cross slots 90, the dummy end fitting 32 is secured with the sleeve 60 both in an axial telescopic position and angular position by the locking devices 80.
It should be understood that the foregoing relates to a preferred embodiment for the present invention and that other locking mechanisms may be used. For example, a pipe clamp surrounding the sleeve 60 may also have shoulder screws that pass through the guide slot 72 into the aperture 56. Moreover, a continuous slot or guide slot 72 may not be required as a plurality of apertures may be drilled
- 12 -CWC-283 , longitudinally along the sleeve to affect the similar results of the guide slot 72.
Further, it should be understood that the parts may be reversed whereby the locking mechanism may be attached to the dummy end fitting and the dummy end fitting may have the guide slot and apertures may be provided in the sleeve. It is envisaged that this may occur when the sleeve is telescopically received within the dummy end fitting. With the use of the pipe clamp, the pipe clamp may have a series of apertures through which screws pass and pass through both the sleeve and the dummy end fitting. Then the dummy end fitting may be moved with the pipe clamp along the sleeve to the desired axial location and then the pipe clamp can be clamped and tightened to prevent any further axial movement.
While there have been described herein what are considered to be preferred and exemplary embodiments of the present invention, other modifications of these embodiments falling within the scope of the invention described herein shall be apparent to those skilled in the art.
Further, it should be understood that the parts may be reversed whereby the locking mechanism may be attached to the dummy end fitting and the dummy end fitting may have the guide slot and apertures may be provided in the sleeve. It is envisaged that this may occur when the sleeve is telescopically received within the dummy end fitting. With the use of the pipe clamp, the pipe clamp may have a series of apertures through which screws pass and pass through both the sleeve and the dummy end fitting. Then the dummy end fitting may be moved with the pipe clamp along the sleeve to the desired axial location and then the pipe clamp can be clamped and tightened to prevent any further axial movement.
While there have been described herein what are considered to be preferred and exemplary embodiments of the present invention, other modifications of these embodiments falling within the scope of the invention described herein shall be apparent to those skilled in the art.
- 13 -
Claims (15)
1. A mock-up assembly for simulating nuclear reactor end fitting conditions, comprising:
a front support wall and a rear support wall mounted in spaced apart fixed relation with each other, the front support wall having a plurality of spaced apart front circular openings extending therethrough wherein the front openings represent end shield outer tube sheet bores of the nuclear reactor, a plurality of dummy end fittings each adapted to pass through a corresponding one of the front openings of the front support wall; and, a plurality of cylindrical sleeves, one for each of the dummy end fittings, being secured to the rear support wall, extending forward from the rear support wall toward the front support wall, and being spaced in non-contacting relation away from the front support wall, each sleeve being mounted with its longitudinal axis aligned with a corresponding one of the front openings for receiving in axial telescopic positional relation a corresponding one of the dummy end fittings extending through the corresponding one of the front openings.
a front support wall and a rear support wall mounted in spaced apart fixed relation with each other, the front support wall having a plurality of spaced apart front circular openings extending therethrough wherein the front openings represent end shield outer tube sheet bores of the nuclear reactor, a plurality of dummy end fittings each adapted to pass through a corresponding one of the front openings of the front support wall; and, a plurality of cylindrical sleeves, one for each of the dummy end fittings, being secured to the rear support wall, extending forward from the rear support wall toward the front support wall, and being spaced in non-contacting relation away from the front support wall, each sleeve being mounted with its longitudinal axis aligned with a corresponding one of the front openings for receiving in axial telescopic positional relation a corresponding one of the dummy end fittings extending through the corresponding one of the front openings.
2. The assembly of claim 1 further comprising:
a locking device located between the front and rear support walls, and attached to both of the sleeve and its corresponding dummy end fitting to fix the axial telescopic positional relation of the sleeve with its corresponding dummy end fitting.
a locking device located between the front and rear support walls, and attached to both of the sleeve and its corresponding dummy end fitting to fix the axial telescopic positional relation of the sleeve with its corresponding dummy end fitting.
3. The assembly of claim 2 wherein the locking device fixes an angular relationship between the sleeve and its corresponding dummy end fitting.
4. The assembly of claim 3 wherein:
one of each said sleeve and its corresponding dummy end fitting has a leading edge surface portion, a tubular portion extending back from the leading edge surface portion, and at least one guide slot in the tubular portion extending longitudinally back from the leading edge surface portion; and, the locking device is mounted to the tubular portion and has a locking mechanism adjustably moveable along the guide slot for engaging the other one of each said sleeve and its corresponding dummy end fitting for fixing the relative axial telescopic position of the sleeve with its corresponding dummy end fitting.
one of each said sleeve and its corresponding dummy end fitting has a leading edge surface portion, a tubular portion extending back from the leading edge surface portion, and at least one guide slot in the tubular portion extending longitudinally back from the leading edge surface portion; and, the locking device is mounted to the tubular portion and has a locking mechanism adjustably moveable along the guide slot for engaging the other one of each said sleeve and its corresponding dummy end fitting for fixing the relative axial telescopic position of the sleeve with its corresponding dummy end fitting.
5. The assembly of claim 4 wherein:
the other of each said sleeve and its corresponding dummy end fitting has a protrusion adapted to slide along the guide slot restricting relative angular displacement between the sleeve and its corresponding dummy end fitting and permitting telescopic movement between the sleeve and its corresponding dummy end fitting prior to the locking device fixing the axial telescopic positional relation of the sleeve with its corresponding dummy end fitting.
the other of each said sleeve and its corresponding dummy end fitting has a protrusion adapted to slide along the guide slot restricting relative angular displacement between the sleeve and its corresponding dummy end fitting and permitting telescopic movement between the sleeve and its corresponding dummy end fitting prior to the locking device fixing the axial telescopic positional relation of the sleeve with its corresponding dummy end fitting.
6. The assembly of claim 1 wherein:
one of each said sleeve and its corresponding dummy end fitting has a leading edge surface portion, a tubular portion extending from the leading edge surface portion, and at least one guide slot in the tubular portion extending longitudinally away from the leading edge surface portion; and, the other of each said sleeve and its corresponding dummy end fitting has a protrusion adapted to slide along the guide slot restricting relative angular displacement between the sleeve and its corresponding dummy end fitting and permitting telescopic axial displacement between the sleeve and its corresponding dummy end fitting.
one of each said sleeve and its corresponding dummy end fitting has a leading edge surface portion, a tubular portion extending from the leading edge surface portion, and at least one guide slot in the tubular portion extending longitudinally away from the leading edge surface portion; and, the other of each said sleeve and its corresponding dummy end fitting has a protrusion adapted to slide along the guide slot restricting relative angular displacement between the sleeve and its corresponding dummy end fitting and permitting telescopic axial displacement between the sleeve and its corresponding dummy end fitting.
7. The assembly of any one of claims 1 to 6 wherein the rear support wall comprises at least one rear circular opening representing an end shield inner sheet bore of the nuclear reactor and that is axially aligned with a corresponding one of the front circular openings, and the assembly further comprising:
a lattice tube extending between the rear circular opening and the aligned front circular opening, and a target end fitting having internal and external geometry corresponding to that of an end fitting of the nuclear reactor and adapted to pass through the aligned circular front opening for reception in the lattice tube.
a lattice tube extending between the rear circular opening and the aligned front circular opening, and a target end fitting having internal and external geometry corresponding to that of an end fitting of the nuclear reactor and adapted to pass through the aligned circular front opening for reception in the lattice tube.
8. A mock-up assembly for simulating nuclear reactor end fitting conditions, comprising:
a front support wall and a rear support wall mounted in spaced apart fixed relation with each other, the front support wall having a plurality of spaced apart front circular openings extending therethrough wherein the front openings represent end shield outer tube sheet bores of the nuclear reactor, a plurality of dummy end fittings each adapted to pass through a corresponding one of the front openings of the front support wall;
a plurality of cylindrical sleeves, one for each of the dummy end fittings, being secured to the rear support wall, extending forward from the rear support wall toward the front support wall, each of said sleeves having a leading edge surface portion spaced from the front support wall in non-contacting relation therewith, a tubular portion extending back from the leading edge surface portion towards the rear support wall, and at least one guide slot in the tubular portion extending longitudinally back from the leading edge surface portion and toward the rear support wall, and each said sleeve being mounted with its longitudinal axis aligned with a corresponding one of the front openings for receiving within the sleeve in axial telescopic positional relation a corresponding one of the dummy end fittings passing through the corresponding one of the front openings; and, a locking device located between the front and rear support walls and attached to the sleeve, the locking device having a securing portion passing through the guide slot for attachment to the corresponding dummy end fitting for fixing the corresponding dummy end fitting with the sleeve in axial telescopic positional relation.
a front support wall and a rear support wall mounted in spaced apart fixed relation with each other, the front support wall having a plurality of spaced apart front circular openings extending therethrough wherein the front openings represent end shield outer tube sheet bores of the nuclear reactor, a plurality of dummy end fittings each adapted to pass through a corresponding one of the front openings of the front support wall;
a plurality of cylindrical sleeves, one for each of the dummy end fittings, being secured to the rear support wall, extending forward from the rear support wall toward the front support wall, each of said sleeves having a leading edge surface portion spaced from the front support wall in non-contacting relation therewith, a tubular portion extending back from the leading edge surface portion towards the rear support wall, and at least one guide slot in the tubular portion extending longitudinally back from the leading edge surface portion and toward the rear support wall, and each said sleeve being mounted with its longitudinal axis aligned with a corresponding one of the front openings for receiving within the sleeve in axial telescopic positional relation a corresponding one of the dummy end fittings passing through the corresponding one of the front openings; and, a locking device located between the front and rear support walls and attached to the sleeve, the locking device having a securing portion passing through the guide slot for attachment to the corresponding dummy end fitting for fixing the corresponding dummy end fitting with the sleeve in axial telescopic positional relation.
9. The assembly of claim 8 wherein the securing portion of the locking device passing through the guide slot is adjustably moveable along the guide slot.
10. The assembly of claim 9 wherein the locking device further fixes an angular positional relation between the sleeve and its corresponding dummy end fitting.
11. The assembly of claim 9 wherein:
the corresponding dummy end fitting has a protrusion extending outwardly thereof and adapted to slide along the guide slot restricting relative angular displacement between the sleeve and its corresponding dummy end fitting and permitting telescopic movement between the sleeve and its corresponding dummy end fitting prior to the locking device fixing the axial telescopic positional relation of the sleeve with its corresponding dummy end fitting.
the corresponding dummy end fitting has a protrusion extending outwardly thereof and adapted to slide along the guide slot restricting relative angular displacement between the sleeve and its corresponding dummy end fitting and permitting telescopic movement between the sleeve and its corresponding dummy end fitting prior to the locking device fixing the axial telescopic positional relation of the sleeve with its corresponding dummy end fitting.
12. The assembly of claim 11 wherein the dummy end fitting has an outer surface geometry, external of the front support wall, corresponding to a nuclear reactor end fitting and the dummy end fitting has a uniform cylindrical outer surface geometry internal of the front support wall, and the uniform cylindrical outer surface geometry internal of the front wall having at least one pair of axially spaced apart apertures extending therealong and wherein:
the protrusion comprises a first fastener positioned in one aperture of the pair of apertures closest to the front support wall for sliding along the guide slot of the sleeve; and, the locking device comprises a second fastener adapted to fasten to the other aperture of the pair of apertures closest to the rear support wall.
the protrusion comprises a first fastener positioned in one aperture of the pair of apertures closest to the front support wall for sliding along the guide slot of the sleeve; and, the locking device comprises a second fastener adapted to fasten to the other aperture of the pair of apertures closest to the rear support wall.
13. The assembly of claim 12 wherein the guide slot further comprises a cross slot and a narrower slot extension, and the locking device further comprises a snug nut captured in the cross slot and a threaded stem passing through the snug nut along the narrower slot extension and the guide slot, the threaded stem having a circular shoulder on an end thereof positioned in the guide slot whereby the second fastener of the locking device passes through the circular shoulder and threadably engages the other aperture of the pair of apertures closest to the rear support wall.
14. The assembly of claim 8 wherein the dummy end fitting has an outer surface geometry, external of the front support wall, corresponding to the nuclear reactor end fitting and the dummy end fitting has a uniform cylindrical outer surface geometry positioned internal of the front support wall.
15. The assembly of any one of claim 14 wherein the rear support wall comprises at least one rear circular opening representing an end shield inner sheet bore of the nuclear reactor and that is axially aligned with a corresponding one of the front circular openings, and the assembly further comprising:
a lattice tube extending between the rear circular opening and the aligned front circular opening, and a target end fitting having internal and external geometry corresponding to that of an end fitting of the nuclear reactor and adapted to pass through the aligned circular front opening for reception in the lattice tube.
a lattice tube extending between the rear circular opening and the aligned front circular opening, and a target end fitting having internal and external geometry corresponding to that of an end fitting of the nuclear reactor and adapted to pass through the aligned circular front opening for reception in the lattice tube.
Priority Applications (4)
| Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
|---|---|---|---|
| CA2732895A CA2732895C (en) | 2011-02-25 | 2011-02-25 | Nuclear reactor end fitting mock-up assembly |
| ARP120100427A AR085347A1 (en) | 2011-02-25 | 2012-02-09 | MOUNTING OF NUCLEAR REACTOR TERMINAL PROTOTYPE |
| ROA201200114A RO128335B1 (en) | 2011-02-25 | 2012-02-21 | Replica assembly for nuclear reactor end joint |
| KR1020120018872A KR20120098470A (en) | 2011-02-25 | 2012-02-24 | Nuclear reactor end fitting mock-up assembly |
Applications Claiming Priority (1)
| Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
|---|---|---|---|
| CA2732895A CA2732895C (en) | 2011-02-25 | 2011-02-25 | Nuclear reactor end fitting mock-up assembly |
Publications (2)
| Publication Number | Publication Date |
|---|---|
| CA2732895A1 CA2732895A1 (en) | 2012-08-25 |
| CA2732895C true CA2732895C (en) | 2015-10-20 |
Family
ID=46717640
Family Applications (1)
| Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
|---|---|---|---|
| CA2732895A Expired - Fee Related CA2732895C (en) | 2011-02-25 | 2011-02-25 | Nuclear reactor end fitting mock-up assembly |
Country Status (4)
| Country | Link |
|---|---|
| KR (1) | KR20120098470A (en) |
| AR (1) | AR085347A1 (en) |
| CA (1) | CA2732895C (en) |
| RO (1) | RO128335B1 (en) |
-
2011
- 2011-02-25 CA CA2732895A patent/CA2732895C/en not_active Expired - Fee Related
-
2012
- 2012-02-09 AR ARP120100427A patent/AR085347A1/en unknown
- 2012-02-21 RO ROA201200114A patent/RO128335B1/en unknown
- 2012-02-24 KR KR1020120018872A patent/KR20120098470A/en not_active Application Discontinuation
Also Published As
| Publication number | Publication date |
|---|---|
| KR20120098470A (en) | 2012-09-05 |
| RO128335A2 (en) | 2013-04-30 |
| CA2732895A1 (en) | 2012-08-25 |
| AR085347A1 (en) | 2013-09-25 |
| RO128335B1 (en) | 2017-11-29 |
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Effective date: 20180226 |