Abstract: A refueling system for a nuclear power plant utilizing a data network to provide for automatic control and enhanced monitoring of the entire fuel transfer process. The refueling system of this invention provides integrated control of the refueling machine within the containment building, the spent fuel handling machine within the fuel storage building, and the fuel transfer system between the buildings. The system provides supervisory control of the overall system operation via a remote control station, while at the same time, having the capability for local on-line control of each element of the system in the event of network failure. The system may automatically identify individual fuel assemblies with an optical scanner. An in-mast sipper connected to the network automatically tests for leaking fuel assemblies. A revised core load pattern and a revised sequence plan can be calculated by the system in the event of the discovery of a leaking fuel assembly.

Abstract: The decontamination apparatus comprises a rotatable hone capable of being inserted into a heat exchange tube of a steam generator for removing contamination from the inside of the heat exchange tubes. The apparatus also comprises means for advancing and retracting the hone and means for removing contamination from the apparatus as the apparatus is withdrawn from the steam generator.

Abstract: The remote docking apparatus comprises a support plate with locking devices mounted thereon. The locking devices are capable of being inserted into tubular members for suspending the support plate therefrom. A vertical member is attached to the support plate with an attachment mechanism attached to the vertical member. A remote access manipulator is capable of being attached to the attachment mechanism so that the vertical member can position the remote access manipulator so that the remote access manipulator can be initially attached to the tubular members in a well defined manner.

Abstract: A method for removing sludge that may be deposited on a tubesheet of a steam generator comprises placement of fluid headers at the elevation of the sludge to be removed establishing a circumferential fluid stream at that elevation. A fluid lance is moved along the line between the headers emitting a pulsating fluid jet perpendicular to a line of movement of the fluid lance at an elevation substantially corresponding to the level of sludge deposits. The fluid jet forces the sludge to the periphery of the tubesheet where the sludge is entrained in and carried away by the circumferential fluid stream.

Abstract: Apparatus for removing sludge that may be deposited on a tubesheet of a steam generator comprises fluid headers at the elevation of the sludge to be removed for establishing a circumferential fluid stream at that elevation. A fluid lance is also provided for being moved along the line between the headers emitting a pulsating fluid jet perpendicular to a line of movement of the fluid lance at an elevation substantially corresponding to the level of sludge deposits. The fluid jet forces the sludge to the periphery of the tubesheet where the sludge is entrained in and carried away by the circumferential fluid stream.