Abstract: A storage/transport container for radioactive material is made by first subdividing a chamber formed between an inner shell and an outer shell into first and second compartments by means of a foraminous partition having a predetermined maximum mesh size. Then an aggregate of a predetermined minimum particle size greater than the predetermined maximum mesh size is introduced into one of the compartments and a suspension of cement and water is introduced into the first compartment such that the aggregate remains in the one compartment and the cement and water flow through the partition into the second compartment. Normally the aggregate and the suspension are both introduced into the same compartment.

Abstract: A clamp assembly for a jet pump sensing line adjacent a jet pump within a nuclear reactor pressure vessel. The jet pump sensing line includes a support block. The clamp assembly includes a clamp body, a clamp member coupled to the clamp body, and a slide member coupled to the clamp body. The clamp assembly further includes a clamp bolt, a swing arm bolt, and a swing arm coupled to the slide member. The swing arm and the slide member are sized to receive and secure the sensing line and the clamp member. The clamp member and the clamp body are sized to secure the clamp assembly to the jet pump.

Abstract: An on-line material analyzer which utilizes pulsed neutron generation in order to determine the composition of material flowing through the apparatus. The on-line elemental material analyzer is based on a pulsed neutron generator. The elements in the material interact with the fast and thermal neutrons produced from the pulsed generator. Spectra of gamma-rays produced from fast neutrons interacting with elements of the material are analyzed and stored separately from spectra produced from thermal neutron reactions. Measurements of neutron activation takes place separately from the above reactions and at a distance from the neutron generator. A primary passageway allows the material to flow through at a constant rate of speed and operators to provide data corresponding to fast and thermal neutron reactions. A secondary passageway meters the material to allow for neutron activation analysis. The apparatus also has the capability to determine the density of the flowed material.

Abstract: A seal apparatus for a jet pump slip joint in a boiling water nuclear reactor pressure vessel, in an exemplary embodiment, includes a split seal ring and a segmented diaphragm spring engaging the split seal ring at an inner circumference of the diaphragm spring. The diaphragm spring includes a plurality of latch assemblies spaced circumferentially around an outer circumference. A plurality of slots, spaced circumferentially around the inner circumference, extend from the inner circumference to the support portion. Each latch assembly includes a latch bolt extending through and threadendly engaging a corresponding latch bolt opening in the diaphragm spring. Each latch bolt includes a head and a plurality of ratchet teeth spaced around the periphery of the latch bolt head. A locking spring is positioned to engage the ratchet teeth of the latch bolt head. The latch assembly further includes a latch arm coupled to the latch bolt. The latch arm includes a slot sized to receive a diffuser guide ear.

Abstract: A jet pump beam bolt locking assembly includes a locking sleeve having a plurality of ratchet teeth extending around the periphery of a base portion, and a lock plate having a beam bolt opening, and an integral beam spring arm having a plurality of ratchet teeth extending from at least a portion of a side of the spring arm. The spring arm ratchet teeth are sized to mesh with the locking sleeve ratchet teeth. The lock plate also includes a lip extending at least partially around the beam bolt opening which captures the locking sleeve. The spring arm is movable between a first position where a lock plate detent is positioned in a spring arm notch which permits engagement of the ratchet teeth, and a second position where the side of the spring arm is in contact with the detent which disengages the ratchet teeth to permit loosening of the beam bolt.

Abstract: A T-box assembly includes a T-box housing, a thermal sleeve coupled to the T-box housing, a cruciform wedge, a spider threadedly engaging the thermal sleeve, and a draw bolt coupling the cruciform wedge and the spider. At least one spring washer is located between the end of the thermal sleeve and the end of a core spray nozzle safe end. The T-box housing includes a cover opening having a plurality of breach lock lugs extending into the cover opening. A T-box cover plate includes a head portion and an insertion portion. A plurality of breach lock lugs extend from the periphery of the insertion portion. A plurality of ratchet teeth extend around the periphery of the head portion. A lock spring includes an engagement portion having a plurality of ratchet teeth sized to mesh with cover plate ratchet teeth.

Abstract: A method for measuring the drop time of a rod in nuclear reactor with the rod position indication system coils remaining energized. The signal generated at the coils includes both the rod drop trace and the coil power. A filter is applied to separate the rod drop trace from the coil power. The drop time of all rods in a reactor can be measured simultaneously in a single test. Furthermore, the test data results are plotted automatically with plot overlay capability to compare rod drop traces to the results of previous tests or to compare an individual rod to another within the same test.

Abstract: An ignition system has a plurality of spark igniters for the recombination of hydrogen in a gas mixture. The ignition system provides and ensures reliable early ignition of an ignitable gas mixture, even in the case of comparatively fast gas displacement. Each spark igniter is, according to the invention, configured as a high-speed igniter with an operating frequency in excess of about 10 Hz. In order to ensure reliable ignition of the ignitable gas mixture both in the event of a temporary failure of external units, and when the ignition system has a particularly long operating time, the spark igniters are advantageously connected together in groups for supplying them with energy. Each group of spark igniters is connected to an intermediate energy store common to them, and the intermediate energy stores are connected to a central energy supply unit.

Abstract: An adjustment tool is provided, having a probe, a head, an arm and a micrometer attached to the head. With the probe inserted into a spacer cell opening, the micrometer handle is rotated to a predetermined setting to pivot the arm. The opposite end of the arm from its engagement with the micrometer drive head engages and displaces the spring of the spacer cell to adjust its spring force. In one form, the arm is housed within the probe and the micrometer drive head displaces the distal end of the arm outwardly to correspondingly displace the spring outwardly, thereby decreasing the spring force. In another form of the spacer tool, the arm is spaced from the probe and has pivotal contact surfaces to straddle the spring. Movement of the drive head by rotating the micrometer handle to a predetermined setting causes the spring to be displaced inwardly of the spacer cell opening to increase the spacer spring force.