Abstract: A method of facilitating modeling of a system includes receiving, at a processor, an extensible markup language (XML) file corresponding to a piping and instrumentation diagram (PID) of the system; identifying, by the processor, components of the system that are described in the XML file, the XML file including information about attributes of the identified components; storing, by the processor, the information about the attributes of the identified components; and generating, by the processor, a simulation model page using syntax of a simulation modeling software environment, based on the stored information about the attributes of the identified components.

Abstract: Slip joint clamps seat on a diffuser end via external features of the diffuser, like guide ears, regardless of slip joint wear or damage. The clamps can be opened and closed to surround an inlet mixer forming a slip joint with the diffuser without disassembly. Slip joint clamps drive or bias the inlet mixer in a lateral direction largely perpendicular to the axial orientation and end of the diffuser to achieve a desired preload force in the inlet mixer and clamp connection. Clamp arms include rotatable halves that, when joined, form a complete fill between an inner surface of the diffuser and outer surface of the inlet mixer. A lateral drive pushes the inlet mixer against the clamp and may include a resistive element. An accessible set of guide ear bolts and lateral driving bolts permit exterior manipulation to axially mount or laterally bias the clamp in the slip joint.

Abstract: An electro-technical device includes a first coil connected to a first sensor for receiving a current therefrom representative of a sensed condition, the first coil being anchored at first and second ends. A second coil is connected to a second sensor for receiving a current therefrom representative of a sensed condition, the second coil being anchored at first and second ends and being adjacent to the first coil. When the first and second coils receive an increased current from the first and second sensors, the first and second coils each create a magnetic flux that repel one another in order to cause at least one of the coils to break so that a shutdown signal can be sent.

Abstract: A method of cleaning a jet pump assembly of a nuclear reactor may comprise inserting a cleaning tool into the jet pump assembly such that a front face of the cleaning tool is adjacent to an inner surface of the jet pump assembly and below a level of a first liquid in the jet pump assembly. The method may additionally comprise directing a plurality of front jets of a second liquid from a plurality of front orifices on the front face of the cleaning tool such that the plurality of front jets of the second liquid strikes the inner surface of the jet pump assembly. The method may further comprise maintaining a standoff distance between the front face of the cleaning tool and the inner surface of the jet pump assembly during the cleaning of the jet pump assembly.

Abstract: Systems and methods determine locations of moving equipment in an area holding components to be moved. Moving equipment can relocate relative to the holding area to pick up components in the holding area from an origin and deliver them to a desired location or orientation. The moving equipment includes a device emitting a signal that is detectable where it hits components or other structures in a straight line or known path from the moving equipment. A human or computer can determine a position the moving equipment in the holding area from such signals. Devices can operate with visible light generators including LEDs, incandescent or fluorescent bulbs, and lasers and including lenses or reflectors to shape the light into detectable and high fidelity configurations. Automation components including a hardware processor, controller, and detector can operate moving equipment based on detected light, without human interaction or as a verification in human operations.

Abstract: In one embodiment, the fuel bundle for a liquid metal cooled reactor includes a channel, a nose assembly secured to a lower end of the channel, and a plurality of fuel rods disposed within the channel. At least one of the fuel rods has at least one guard ring surround the fuel rod and spacing the fuel rod from adjacent fuel rods.

Abstract: Nuclear reactors have very few systems for significantly reduced failure possibilities. Nuclear reactors may be boiling water reactors with natural circulation-enabling heights and smaller, flexible energy outputs in the 0-350 megawatt-electric range. Reactors are fully surrounded by an impermeable, high-pressure containment. No coolant pools, heat sinks, active pumps, or other emergency fluid sources may be present inside containment; emergency cooling, like isolation condenser systems, are outside containment. Isolation valves integral with the reactor pressure vessel provide working and emergency fluid through containment to the reactor. Isolation valves are one-piece, welded, or otherwise integral with reactors and fluid conduits having ASME-compliance to eliminate risk of shear failure. Containment may be completely underground and seismically insulated to minimize footprint and above-ground target area.

Abstract: An apparatus configured to structurally replace a cracked weld in a nuclear plant may include: a first body portion that includes a first gripping portion; a second body portion that includes a second gripping portion; a wedge portion between the first and second body portions; and/or an adjustment portion. The first body portion may be configured to slidably engage the second body portion. The wedge portion may be configured to exert force on the slidably engaged first and second body portions. The adjustment portion may be configured to increase or decrease the force exerted by the wedge portion on the slidably engaged first and second body portions. When the adjustment portion increases the force exerted by the wedge portion on the slidably engaged first and second body portions, a distance between the first and second gripping portions may decrease.

Abstract: Systems and methods determine locations of moving equipment in an area holding components to be moved. Moving equipment can relocate relative to the holding area to pick up components in the holding area from an origin and deliver them to a desired location or orientation. The moving equipment includes a device emitting a signal that is detectable where it hits components or other structures in a straight line or known path from the moving equipment. A human or computer can determine a position the moving equipment in the holding area from such signals. Devices can operate with visible light generators including LEDs, incandescent or fluorescent bulbs, and lasers and including lenses or reflectors to shape the light into detectable and high fidelity configurations. Automation components including a hardware processor, controller, and detector can operate moving equipment based on detected light, without human interaction or as a verification in human operations.

Abstract: Devices position inspection and operation tools in a nuclear reactor without use of a bridge or other maintenance structure well above the reactor core. Devices can selectively join to in-reactor structures like steam dams through clamping that permits limited movement. Positioning assemblies may be supported by the devices. The positioning assembly includes a mast that moves relative to the positioning assembly. Rollers of the positioning assembly may so move the mast. The positioning assembly may be rotated with a sun gear having an exterior surface about which the mast and rollers can revolve. A local motor or external drive may provide power for this rotation and/or revolving as well as rotation of the rollers to move the mast and assembly. Devices are useable underwater or submerged in fluid and may include instruments with powering lines or mechanical extensions that permit powering or direct interfacing from operators outside the reactor.

Abstract: According to at least some example embodiments, a dome collector separation stage includes an inner side wall that defines an inner channel; and an outer side wall that, together with the inner side wall, defines an outer channel, the inner channel being configured to receive a two-phase flow stream (FS) of water and steam, and pass the two-phase FS to the outer channel via inlets included in the inner side wall, the outer channel being configured to separate at least some water from the two-phase FS, and pass moisture-reduced steam out of the steam separator stage via outlets included in the outer side wall.

Abstract: Vibration-based flowmeters are useable in inaccessible nuclear reactor spaces. Flowmeters include an extension that blocks fluid flow in a path and a detector that detects vibrations caused by vortex shedding in the fluid flow around the extension. The detected frequency of the vibrations determines the flow rate. A Strouhal number may be used to calculate the flow speed using extension surface diameter and detected vortex shedding frequency. Several extensions may cover a range of frequencies and flow speeds. Pipe-organ-type flowmeters include a passage with an opening constricted, and subsequent widening section. An extension and outlet that create turbulence in the flow at the outlet create a standing wave and vibration in the extension and/or entire flowmeter. A flow rate of the fluid through the flowmeter can be calculated using length of the passage and/or known properties of the fluid. Multiple, flowmeters of customized physical properties and types are useable together.

Abstract: An insulated solution injector may include an outer tube and an inner tube arranged within the outer tube. The outer tube and the inner tube may define an annular space therebetween, and the inner tube may define a solution space within. The annular space may be configured so as to insulate the solution within the solution space. As a result, the solution may be kept to a temperature below its decomposition temperature prior to injection. Accordingly, the decomposition of the solution and the resulting deposition of its constituents within the solution space may be reduced or prevented, thereby decreasing or precluding the occurrence of a blockage.

Abstract: A reactor pressure vessel includes a reactor pressure vessel body, a nozzle structure connected to the reactor pressure vessel body, a conduit structure connected to the nozzle structure, and a restraint device attached around a portion of the conduit structure. The restraint device includes collar parts that have cross sections corresponding to respective segments of a periphery of the portion of the conduit structure, brackets attached to the nozzle structure, and rods connecting the brackets to the collar parts. The collar parts are connected end-to-end to each other such that a cross section of the collar parts connected to each other corresponds to the periphery of the portion of the conduit structure. The collar parts are pinned to each other. The brackets spaced apart from each other around a periphery of the nozzle structure.

Abstract: According to at least some example embodiments, a dome collector separation stage includes an inner side wall that defines an inner channel; and an outer side wall that, together with the inner side wall, defines an outer channel, the inner channel being configured to receive a two-phase flow stream (FS) of water and steam, and pass the two-phase FS to the outer channel via inlets included in the inner side wall, the outer channel being configured to separate at least some water from the two-phase FS, and pass moisture-reduced steam out of the steam separator stage via outlets included in the outer side wall.

Abstract: Nozzles mix coolant from different sources together in an outlet to prevent differences in coolant output. Different flow path configurations are useable in the nozzle, including a multiple-path configuration with flows from different sources jacketed or concentrically arranged around flows from other sources. Swirl vanes may be installed in the nozzle to impart mixing or filtering the fluid flow. Diffusers may be used to passively suction or accelerate flow and mixing the same like a jet pump. Nozzles can be combined with filtration systems like trap filters that capture debris based on a momentum difference between the denser debris and fluid. Filters can use magnetic, adhesive, or porous materials to capture debris without blocking a flow path. Filters can be disengaged, such as when clogged, such that coolant flows around the system. Nozzles can be installed on feedwater sparger assemblies in varying manner to distribute coolant from multiple nozzles.

Abstract: Devices position inspection and operation tools in a nuclear reactor without use of a bridge or other refueling structure well above the reactor core. Devices can selectively join to in-reactor structures like steam dams through clamping that permits limited movement. Clamps can include one or more rollers that allow for controlled, accurate positioning of the devices relative to the structures. Devices include an extension to which the tools can be affixed. Through selective disengagement of joining structures, devices can move over obstacles on the mounting structure. Devices further include controls so that operators positioned outside the reactor can move the device while mounted on a static structure. The controls can further move the inspection tool in other directions with the extension. Devices are useable underwater or submerged in other fluid and may include powering lines or mechanical extensions that permit powering or direct interfacing from operators outside the reactor.

Abstract: Modular flow control systems include several differently-shaped structures to achieve desired flow characteristics in fluid flow. Systems include one or many plates held in desired positions by a retainer within the flow. The plates are uniquely shaped based on their position, or vice versa, to shape flow in a desired manner. The plates may fill an entire flow area or may extend partially throughout the area. Plates can take on any shape and are useable in systems installed in any type of flow conduit. When used in a PCCS upper manifold in a nuclear reactor, a chevron plate directly below the inlet divides flow along the entire upper manifold. Perforated plates allow flow to pass at ends of the PCCS upper manifold. The plates can be installed along a grooved edge during an access period and held in static position by filling the length of the PCCS upper manifold.

Abstract: A jet pump slip joint repair assembly includes at least one clamp and a bushing configured to be inserted in a bore of a diffuser and to surround a portion of an inlet mixer. The clamp includes a gripping surface and a gripping collar. The bushing includes a generally cylindrical sidewall, the sidewall configured to surround the portion of the inlet mixer, a grooved flange on an upper surface of the sidewall, at least one cutout between adjacent portions of the grooved flange, and a groove on an inner, bottom surface of the sidewall. The assembly also includes a seal in the groove. The seal is flexible and formed of a metallic material. The seal is configured to be compressed when the at least one clamp engages the bushing.

Abstract: The system for storage includes spent nuclear fuel arranged in a drift and at least one first mechanical structure configured to cause a target material to move in the drift. The at least one first mechanical structure is configured to at least assist in actively controlling an exposure rate of the target material to the spent nuclear fuel while the target material is being exposed to the spent nuclear fuel. The system includes at least one second mechanical structure configured to remove the target material from the drift after the target material is exposed to the spent nuclear fuel.