Abstract: A rigging system for reactor closure head and reactor internals lifts. The system includes a plurality of latchbox pendants attached to the lifting structure of an overhead crane. A first set of a plurality of lifting lugs is attached to the reactor internals, each of the lifting lugs corresponding to one of the plurality of latchboxes. A second set of a plurality of substantially identical lifting lugs, each of the lifting lugs corresponding to one of the plurality of latchboxes, is attached to a plurality of solid rod lifting pendants attached at one end to the reactor closure head. In operation, the latchbox pendants may be rigged once to the overhead crane for handling reactor internals and left in place throughout the entire rigging sequence without changing to turnbuckle pendants for reactor closure head handling.

Abstract: A tool fixture device for positioning tools to repair defects adjacent to the sealing grooves in a pressure vessel head. The device includes a two pair of parallel, spaced apart, arcuate segments adapted to fit into one of the sealing grooves. A support plate is attached to the first and the second pair of parallel, spaced apart, arcuate segments. The fixture includes a plurality of threaded rods for expanding the ends of the parallel arcuate segments to engage the inside walls of one of the grooves to hold the fixture in place. In the preferred embodiment, a tool positioner is adapted to be attached to the support plate for positioning a repair tool to permit the repair tool to be used to repair defects adjacent to the sealing grooves. The tool positioner includes a planar table and a tool jig attached to the planar table for receiving the repair tool.

Abstract: A nuclear reactor vessel cavity seal plate. An annular support plate is positioned over the cavity between the reactor vessel and the shield structure. The inner diameter of the support plate rests freely upon the reactor vessel flange to allow movement of the vessel thereunder during thermal expansion and contraction. A flexible annular seal positioned over the support plate has its inner diameter seal welded to the reactor vessel flange and its outer diameter seal welded to the shield structure. Matching ports in the support plate and seal provide access to nuclear instruments below the support plate. A mounting block around each port accepts a cover plate that seals the port. This provides a permanent seal plate that allows flooding of the cavity for refueling with it only being necessary to remove the cove plates for normal reactor operations.

Abstract: A device for restricting the motion of a thimble tube in a nuclear reactor during normal reactor operating conditions. A cylindrical sleeve open at each end has upper, middle, and lower sections. The upper section has an over-expanded area adjacent the top end to aid in proper positioning in the lower core support plate. The middle section is formed from inner and outer sections attached at their ends and formed from material having different coefficients of thermal expansion. The inner portion of the middle section moves from a first normal relaxed state during cold conditions in the reactor to a second flexed state during hot conditions in the reactor to provide a clamping action on the thimble tube received by the sleeve. A baffle in the lower section reduces coolant flow velocity and pressure through the sleeve.

Abstract: The invention relates to absorbent compositions, to methods for handling and immobilizing particulate absorbents, and to absorbent articles produced from the absorbent compositions. Absorbent materials such as cross-linked, water-insoluble and water-swellable particulate polymers are immobilized and safely handled by adding thereto an aqueous liquid such as water or saline in amounts sufficient to form hydrates in which the water comprises from 20% to 80% by weight of the total hydrate. The hydrates may be extruded, sprinkled, or sprayed and can be incorporated into absorbent articles such as diapers and tampons by conventional means. The hydrates unexpectedly increase the total water absorbency of the absorbent on a dry basis.