Abstract: A temporary cover is plugged into an open handhole or inspection port in a steam generator or another pressure vessel of a nuclear power plant after bolted covers are removed for maintenance inside the generator or vessel. The temporary cover may be locked to prevent foreign objects from entering the generator or vessel. The cover is vented at inclined angles so that air or gas may pass therethrough but is shielded so that gamma rays, which are the most penetrating type of radiation, are greatly reduced and dispersed away from personnel.

Abstract: A temporary cover is plugged into an open handhole or inspection port in a steam generator or another pressure vessel of a nuclear power plant after bolted covers are removed for maintenance inside the generator or vessel. The temporary cover may be locked to prevent foreign objects from entering the generator or vessel. The cover is vented at inclined angles so that air or gas may pass therethrough but is shielded so that gamma rays, which are the most penetrating type of radiation, are greatly reduced and dispersed away from personnel.

Abstract: An apparatus for inspecting feedwater piping in a steam generator having “J” nozzles. A camera and light source are coupled to a yoke mounted rotatable wheel adjacent the end of an elongated flexible conduit. Control cables, for rotating the wheel, extend through the yoke and the conduit and are fastened to a second rotatable wheel. Rotation of the second wheel causes rotation of the first wheel along with the camera and light source. Control cables for the camera and light source also extend through the yoke and the flexible conduit.

Abstract: Camera system for viewing an object located in a region of contamination (e.g., oil, water, particulate matter, or the like). The system is capable of being internally pressurized above ambient pressure, so that the contamination is prevented from entering the camera system to foul the camera. The system includes a housing having an interior and a view port. An electronic sensor is disposed in the housing opposite the port for sensing the object and for generating an electrical output signal that travels along a conductor connected to the sensor. A processor is connected to the conductor for amplifying the output signal. The amplified signal is received by a display monitor which displays an image of the object. The system further includes a quick-disconnect connector which interconnects the housing to a source of pressurized fluid used to pressurize the housing above ambient pressure.

Abstract: An apparatus for use with a search device and a foreign object extrication device in a steam generator includes a router having two conduits for routing the search and extrication devices, and a positioning mechanism for positioning the conduits. The extrication device may include a cable having a pushing mechanism for pushing a foreign object within the steam generator and a hook mechanism for pulling the foreign object. Alternatively, the extrication device may include a loop mechanism for pulling. The extrication device may include a cable having a slotted end for pushing. Alternatively, the cable may have an anvil for pushing. The router may include a guide tube interconnected with the first conduit for guiding the search device from the tube lane into a selected one of the tube rows of the steam generator and another guide tube interconnected with the second conduit for guiding the extrication device from the tube lane into the selected tube row.

Abstract: An apparatus for positioning a search device and a retrieval device in a steam generator includes a guide mechanism for guiding the devices through the annulus to the tube sheet and drive mechanisms for driving the cables of the devices. Alternatively, a plurality of guide mechanisms and a plurality of drive mechanisms may be provided for a plurality of search and retrieval devices. The guide mechanism may include two double-dog-leg, single-piece, guide tubes between the handhole and the tube sheet for guiding the cables. The drive mechanisms may each include a pair of pinch rollers for driving a corresponding cable, a remote energizing mechanism for independently energizing the corresponding drive mechanism, and a reversible motor having a drive shaft. One pinch roller is driven by one drive shaft and the other pinch roller freely rotates about the other drive shaft. The guide mechanism may also include a guide plate mounted to the handhole and dual sets of guide tubes for the two halves of the tube sheet.

Abstract: A debris box, for use with a search and retrieval device for searching and retrieving a plurality of foreign objects within a heat exchanger, includes a holder mechanism, such as a container, for containing the foreign objects which are retrieved by the search and retrieval device within the heat exchanger; and an insertion mechanism, such as a snake, for inserting the holder mechanism into the heat exchanger.