G21C17/007

Method for inspecting core shroud using remote operated vehicle (ROV)

The method includes installing a system for inspecting the core shroud on the core shroud, driving the system horizontally around the core shroud, and using a sensor of the system to inspect the core shroud, where the system includes a trolley, an arm, a tether, and a remotely operated vehicle (ROV) for inspecting the core shroud. The ROV includes a body configured to be operatively connected to the tether, and the sensor is configured to be operatively connected to the body, and configured to provide inspection information of the core shroud. The arm is configured to be operatively connected to the trolley. The ROV is configured to be operatively connected to the arm via the tether, and the tether is configured to provide vertical position information for the ROV relative to the outer surface of the core shroud.

Method for inspecting core shroud using remote operated vehicle (ROV)

The method includes installing a system for inspecting the core shroud on the core shroud, driving the system horizontally around the core shroud, and using a sensor of the system to inspect the core shroud, where the system includes a trolley, an arm, a tether, and a remotely operated vehicle (ROV) for inspecting the core shroud. The ROV includes a body configured to be operatively connected to the tether, and the sensor is configured to be operatively connected to the body, and configured to provide inspection information of the core shroud. The arm is configured to be operatively connected to the trolley. The ROV is configured to be operatively connected to the arm via the tether, and the tether is configured to provide vertical position information for the ROV relative to the outer surface of the core shroud.

ULTRASONIC MONITORING SYSTEM OF THE NUCLEAR REACTOR ABOVE CORE SPACE

System for detecting, in a space being monitored, for example a gap, obstacles to rotation of the rotating plugs during refueling operations. The system includes an ultrasound reflector configured in the form of a ring on which at least one row of vertical cylindrical rods is arranged. The ring is attached to one of the thermal screens surrounding the reactor core, preferably one proximate to the nuclear reactor vessel. The spacing at which the cylindrical rods are arranged in the row is less than the spacing between the assemblies.

ULTRASONIC MONITORING SYSTEM OF THE NUCLEAR REACTOR ABOVE CORE SPACE

System for detecting, in a space being monitored, for example a gap, obstacles to rotation of the rotating plugs during refueling operations. The system includes an ultrasound reflector configured in the form of a ring on which at least one row of vertical cylindrical rods is arranged. The ring is attached to one of the thermal screens surrounding the reactor core, preferably one proximate to the nuclear reactor vessel. The spacing at which the cylindrical rods are arranged in the row is less than the spacing between the assemblies.

METHOD FOR INSPECTING CORE SHROUD USING REMOTE OPERATED VEHICLE (ROV)

The method includes installing a system for inspecting the core shroud on the core shroud, driving the system horizontally around the core shroud, and using a sensor of the system to inspect the core shroud, where the system includes a trolley, an arm, a tether, and a remotely operated vehicle (ROV) for inspecting the core shroud. The ROV includes a body configured to be operatively connected to the tether, and the sensor is configured to be operatively connected to the body, and configured to provide inspection information of the core shroud. The arm is configured to be operatively connected to the trolley. The ROV is configured to be operatively connected to the arm via the tether, and the tether is configured to provide vertical position information for the ROV relative to the outer surface of the core shroud.

METHOD FOR INSPECTING CORE SHROUD USING REMOTE OPERATED VEHICLE (ROV)

The method includes installing a system for inspecting the core shroud on the core shroud, driving the system horizontally around the core shroud, and using a sensor of the system to inspect the core shroud, where the system includes a trolley, an arm, a tether, and a remotely operated vehicle (ROV) for inspecting the core shroud. The ROV includes a body configured to be operatively connected to the tether, and the sensor is configured to be operatively connected to the body, and configured to provide inspection information of the core shroud. The arm is configured to be operatively connected to the trolley. The ROV is configured to be operatively connected to the arm via the tether, and the tether is configured to provide vertical position information for the ROV relative to the outer surface of the core shroud.

Inspection tool

A tool is receivable into an interior region of a core shroud of a Boiling Water Reactor. The tool includes an elongated frame, an elevator apparatus situated on the frame, and a manipulator apparatus situated on the elevator apparatus. The tool further includes a reciprocation apparatus that is situated on the manipulator apparatus and that has a mount that is structured to carry a device thereon. The reciprocation apparatus includes an elongated rack of an arcuate profile. The elevator apparatus is operable to move the reciprocation apparatus along the longitudinal extent of the frame. The tool further includes a foot apparatus that is situated at an end of the frame and that is receivable on a core plate to enable the frame to be pivoted about an axis of elongation of the frame with respect to the core plate.

INSPECTION TOOL

A tool is receivable into an interior region of a core shroud of a Boiling Water Reactor. The tool includes an elongated frame, an elevator apparatus situated on the frame, and a manipulator apparatus situated on the elevator apparatus. The tool further includes a reciprocation apparatus that is situated on the manipulator apparatus and that has a mount that is structured to carry a device thereon. The reciprocation apparatus includes an elongated rack of an arcuate profile. The elevator apparatus is operable to move the reciprocation apparatus along the longitudinal extent of the frame. The tool further includes a foot apparatus that is situated at an end of the frame and that is receivable on a core plate to enable the frame to be pivoted about an axis of elongation of the frame with respect to the core plate.

Remotely operated vehicles, systems, and methods for inspecting core shrouds

A remotely operated vehicle (ROV) for inspecting a core shroud having an outer surface may include: a body configured to be operatively connected to a tether; and/or a sensor, configured to be operatively connected to the body, and configured to provide inspection information of the shroud. The tether may be configured to provide vertical position information for the ROV relative to the outer surface. A system for inspecting a core shroud may include: a trolley; an arm; the tether; and/or the ROV. The arm may be configured to be operatively connected to the trolley. The ROV may be configured to be operatively connected to the arm via the tether. A method for inspecting a core shroud may include: installing a system for inspecting the shroud on the shroud; driving the system horizontally around the shroud; and/or using a sensor of the system to inspect the shroud.

Remotely operated vehicles, systems, and methods for inspecting core shrouds

A remotely operated vehicle (ROV) for inspecting a core shroud having an outer surface may include: a body configured to be operatively connected to a tether; and/or a sensor, configured to be operatively connected to the body, and configured to provide inspection information of the shroud. The tether may be configured to provide vertical position information for the ROV relative to the outer surface. A system for inspecting a core shroud may include: a trolley; an arm; the tether; and/or the ROV. The arm may be configured to be operatively connected to the trolley. The ROV may be configured to be operatively connected to the arm via the tether. A method for inspecting a core shroud may include: installing a system for inspecting the shroud on the shroud; driving the system horizontally around the shroud; and/or using a sensor of the system to inspect the shroud.