A nuclear reactor is designed to couple the load path of control elements with the reactor core, thus reducing opportunity for differential movement between the control elements and the reactor core. A core barrel can be fabricated in a manufacturing facility to include the reactor core, control element supports, and control element drive system. The core barrel can be mounted to a reactor vessel head. Movement, such as through seismic forces, transmits an equal direction and magnitude to the control elements and the reactor core, thus inhibiting the opportunity for differential movement.

Seals are positioned between abutting nuclear reactor components. Example seals are held in position by gravity, grooves, retainers, direct joining, or other mating structures to seal the abutting components. Compression of example seals drives the seals against the joining components, preventing fluid passage therebetween. Example seals may include a cavity opening to a higher pressure fluid outside the joined components to drive expansion or sealing of the seal. Seals may have a C-shaped, E-shaped, O-ring, coiled, helical, or other cross-section to provide such a cavity. Example seals may be flexible materials compatible with radiation and heat encountered in a nuclear reactor. Seals may be continuous or sectional about the abutment of the components. An annular seal may extend continuously around a perimeter of removably joined core plates, supports, shrouds, and/or chimney heads and structures. Seals can be installed between and in the components at any time access is available to the components.

Seals are positioned between abutting nuclear reactor components. Example seals are held in position by gravity, grooves, retainers, direct joining, or other mating structures to seal the abutting components. Compression of example seals drives the seals against the joining components, preventing fluid passage therebetween. Example seals may include a cavity opening to a higher pressure fluid outside the joined components to drive expansion or sealing of the seal. Seals may have a C-shaped, E-shaped, O-ring, coiled, helical, or other cross-section to provide such a cavity. Example seals may be flexible materials compatible with radiation and heat encountered in a nuclear reactor. Seals may be continuous or sectional about the abutment of the components. An annular seal may extend continuously around a perimeter of removably joined core plates, supports, shrouds, and/or chimney heads and structures. Seals can be installed between and in the components at any time access is available to the components.

The present invention relates to a pre-core hot functional testing (HFT) preconditioning process, which includes the introduction of chemical additives, e.g., zinc, into coolant water that circulates through the primary system of a new nuclear power plant, at various temperatures. The chemical additives contact the primary system surfaces, which results in the formation of a protective zinc-containing oxide film on the fresh surfaces to control corrosion release and deposition during subsequent normal operation of the nuclear power plant. The method includes a series of three chemistry phases to optimize the passivation process: 1) an alkaline-reducing phase, 2) an acid-reducing phase and 3) an acid-oxidizing phase.

The present invention relates to a pre-core hot functional testing (HFT) preconditioning process, which includes the introduction of chemical additives, e.g., zinc, into coolant water that circulates through the primary system of a new nuclear power plant, at various temperatures. The chemical additives contact the primary system surfaces, which results in the formation of a protective zinc-containing oxide film on the fresh surfaces to control corrosion release and deposition during subsequent normal operation of the nuclear power plant. The method includes a series of three chemistry phases to optimize the passivation process: 1) an alkaline-reducing phase, 2) an acid-reducing phase and 3) an acid-oxidizing phase.

Apparatus for moving one or more processing devices relative to an object to be processed, comprising: first and second mounting units configured to be secured in a fixed position relative to the object to be processed and between which one or more tension members are mounted under tension; one or more carriages respectively connected to the one or more tension members, each of the carriages configured to accommodate a respective processing device; and a drive unit configured to move the one or more tension members so as to move the one or more carriages relative to the object.

A method and system for generating and maintaining a solid structure is provided. The system includes a frame composed of an interconnected network of pipes configured for transporting liquid, the frame having a substantially spherical shape, a plurality of nozzles uniformly distributed along the pipes, wherein the plurality of nozzles are configured for dispensing liquid, a repository that holds a liquid composed of water and at least one additive, a refrigeration unit configured for refrigerating the liquid from the repository to at least a freezing temperature, and a pump for pumping the liquid from the refrigeration unit through the pipes and out of the nozzles, wherein the system is configured to dispense the liquid at said freezing temperature so as to freeze upon egress and create a solid structure surrounding the pipes. The system may also return melted liquid from the solid structure to the repository.

A method and system for generating and maintaining a solid structure is provided. The system includes a frame composed of an interconnected network of pipes configured for transporting liquid, the frame having a substantially spherical shape, a plurality of nozzles uniformly distributed along the pipes, wherein the plurality of nozzles are configured for dispensing liquid, a repository that holds a liquid composed of water and at least one additive, a refrigeration unit configured for refrigerating the liquid from the repository to at least a freezing temperature, and a pump for pumping the liquid from the refrigeration unit through the pipes and out of the nozzles, wherein the system is configured to dispense the liquid at said freezing temperature so as to freeze upon egress and create a solid structure surrounding the pipes. The system may also return melted liquid from the solid structure to the repository.

An assembly is provided that includes a device for locking tubes in position relative to one another, with at least a first arm, a locking axle having a plurality of bearing surfaces, the locking axle being movable between a position locking the tubes each between one of said bearing surfaces and the first arm, and a released position, in which the tube segments are free.

An assembly is provided that includes a device for locking tubes in position relative to one another, with at least a first arm, a locking axle having a plurality of bearing surfaces, the locking axle being movable between a position locking the tubes each between one of said bearing surfaces and the first arm, and a released position, in which the tube segments are free.