Abstract: A system for seating at least one gasket member used to seal a pressure vessel penetration where a column penetrates therethrough includes a tubular member, a column which penetrates through the tubular member in a telescoping manner and is normally movable axially relative to and in axial sliding communication with the tubular member before assembly of hardware used to seat the gasket member, and at least one gasket member for sealing the interfaces between the tubular member and the column. The system also includes spacer for filling the axial gap in series with at least one properly seated gasket member between the column and the tubular member and at least one properly seated gasket member when the column cannot be suitably positioned axially relative to the tubular member in order to properly seat at least one gasket member during assembly of hardware utilized to seat at least one gasket member.

Abstract: Clamps and clamping systems for sealing the interface between two generally tubular conduits are disclosed. The clamps of the present invention are especially well adapted for use in nuclear reactor systems, especially as clamps for the instrument port interfaces of nuclear reactors. The clamps are comprised of articulated members pivotally joined by link plates such that the clamp may be opened in jaw like fashion so as to allow easy assembly around the conduits to be sealed. The open ends of the clamps contain datum surfaces which are brought into intimate contact when the clamp is fully assembled. The datum surfaces preload the clamp so as to exert the proper axial pressure on the conduit interface. In one embodiment, the interior surface of the clamp contains a generally flat sloped surface which is used to exert the appropriate axial pressure on the interface between the conduits.

Abstract: Clamps and clamping systems for sealing the interface between two generally tubular conduits are disclosed. The clamps of the present invention are especially well adapted for use in nuclear reactor systems, especially as clamps for the instrument port interfaces of nuclear reactors. The clamps are generally comprised of articulated members pivotally joined by link plates such that the clamp may be opened in jaw like fashion so as to allow easy assembly around the conduits to be sealed. The conduit seal assembly includes an upper positioner which has a frusto-conically shaped surface and a male flange with a frusto-conically shaped upper surface. These two surfaces create an annular wedge-like opening for accepting a wedge-shaped upper clamp. The upper articulated clamp when assembled thus provides the proper clamping force between the conduit seal and male flange.