NDE probes provide unique data signals from a remote object such that can be used to accurately and precisely locate a position. With a computer processor, the data signals are converted into a positional fingerprint that is compact and easily analyzed as a file or information of probe position. The positional fingerprint is stored in association with the position or object to verify a same position at another time. Another probe detects other data signals for the object at another time. Under a similar transformation into a positional fingerprint, the position of the other probe can be matched to the first by comparing positional fingerprints. The comparison may use a probabilistic comparison and/or compare several different fingerprints from several different locations and times to ensure a best match. Position verification between probes may ensure a repair has been completed in the proper location, verify system integrity or investigate potential problems.

NDE probes provide unique data signals from a remote object such that can be used to accurately and precisely locate a position. With a computer processor, the data signals are converted into a positional fingerprint that is compact and easily analyzed as a file or information of probe position. The positional fingerprint is stored in association with the position or object to verify a same position at another time. Another probe detects other data signals for the object at another time. Under a similar transformation into a positional fingerprint, the position of the other probe can be matched to the first by comparing positional fingerprints. The comparison may use a probabilistic comparison and/or compare several different fingerprints from several different locations and times to ensure a best match. Position verification between probes may ensure a repair has been completed in the proper location, verify system integrity or investigate potential problems.

A tool for delivery of a testing element to a limited access location within a nuclear containment includes a rotation apparatus having a connection element that is configured to have an aperture that is formed generally centrally therein. A submersible machine is structured to carry the tool to a limited access location within a nuclear containment. The submersible machine includes a mount apparatus configured to be movably clamped onto a steam dam of a nuclear reactor apparatus and to drive the submersible machine circumferentially along the steam dam to inspect a plurality of jet pumps or other limited access locations of the nuclear reactor apparatus. The improved submersible machine advantageously further includes an adjustment table between the mount apparatus and a frame that carries the tool to enable rapid accurate positioning of the frame, and thus the tool, once the submersible machine has been mounted to the steam dam.

A tool for delivery of a testing element to a limited access location within a nuclear containment includes a rotation apparatus having a connection element that is configured to have an aperture that is formed generally centrally therein. A submersible machine is structured to carry the tool to a limited access location within a nuclear containment. The submersible machine includes a mount apparatus configured to be movably clamped onto a steam dam of a nuclear reactor apparatus and to drive the submersible machine circumferentially along the steam dam to inspect a plurality of jet pumps or other limited access locations of the nuclear reactor apparatus. The improved submersible machine advantageously further includes an adjustment table between the mount apparatus and a frame that carries the tool to enable rapid accurate positioning of the frame, and thus the tool, once the submersible machine has been mounted to the steam dam.

Articles of manufacture, machines, processes for using the articles and machines, processes for making the articles and machines, and products produced by the process of making, along with necessary intermediates, directed to a scanning camera system.

A nozzle repair method and a nuclear reactor vessel include: removing a trepanning portion (208) as a connection portion with respect to an in-core instrumentation cylinder (204) in a groove-welding portion (206); removing the in-core instrumentation cylinder (204) from a lower end plate (66); forming a plug attachment opening (211) by removing the groove-welding portion (206); applying a pressing load to the lower end plate (66) by attaching a plug (212) to the plug attachment opening (211); and welding and fixing the plug (212) attached to the plug attachment opening (211). Accordingly, since a repair is easily performed, it is possible to improve the workability and to decrease a repair cost.

A nozzle repair method and a nuclear reactor vessel include: removing a trepanning portion (208) as a connection portion with respect to an in-core instrumentation cylinder (204) in a groove-welding portion (206); removing the in-core instrumentation cylinder (204) from a semi-spherical portion (66) as a lower end plate; forming a surface buttered-welding portion (210) by buttered-welding the surface of the groove-welding portion (206); forming a welding groove (212) by grooving the surface buttered-welding portion (210); inserting a new in-core instrumentation cylinder (204A) provided with a circumferential groove portion (204f) outside an instrumentation equipment guide passage (204d) into an attachment hole (203); and fixing the new in-core instrumentation cylinder (204A) by groove-welding the welding groove (212). Accordingly, since the nozzle welding area is suppressed to a predetermined range, the workability of the repair is improved.

A regulator apparatus for distributing a fluid may include a charging valve assembly and a flow multiplier assembly. In a recharge mode, a valve of the charging valve assembly is in an open position, and the fluid is received in a second cylinder of the flow multiplier assembly, causing first and second pistons of the flow multiplier assembly to move in a first direction. In a purge mode, the valve is in the seated position, and the fluid is received in a first cylinder of the flow multiplier assembly, causing the first and second pistons to move in a second direction, and discharging an outlet flow through an outlet of the flow multiplier assembly. The second cylinder may have a bore cross sectional area that is greater than a bore cross sectional area of the first cylinder. Apparatuses disclosed herein may be implemented in a circumferential sampling tool.

A regulator apparatus for distributing a fluid may include a charging valve assembly and a flow multiplier assembly. In a recharge mode, a valve of the charging valve assembly is in an open position, and the fluid is received in a second cylinder of the flow multiplier assembly, causing first and second pistons of the flow multiplier assembly to move in a first direction. In a purge mode, the valve is in the seated position, and the fluid is received in a first cylinder of the flow multiplier assembly, causing the first and second pistons to move in a second direction, and discharging an outlet flow through an outlet of the flow multiplier assembly. The second cylinder may have a bore cross sectional area that is greater than a bore cross sectional area of the first cylinder. Apparatuses disclosed herein may be implemented in a circumferential sampling tool.

Systems and methods position tools about a flooded nuclear reactor during maintenance outages without support structures connected above the systems or reactor. Systems may include annular clamps for support from a reactor steam dam, a telescoping mast, a motor or other drive to extend or retract the mast, and/or an articulator to hold the payload and move the same about any degree of freedom. The telescoping mast may include several nested sections joined to a drive motor. Several different articulators are useable, including those with separate gearings for rotation about perpendicular axes and self-leveling wrists to orient tools in verifiable positions. Systems can be locally or remotely powered and controlled through powered and communicative connections to move about any position in a reactor annulus or core.