Patents by Inventor Franz E. Steinmoeller

Franz E. Steinmoeller has filed for patents to protect the following inventions. This listing includes patent applications that are pending as well as patents that have already been granted by the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO).

  • Patent number: 8681928
    Abstract: A pressurized water reactor (PWR) includes a pressure vessel and a nuclear reactor core disposed in the pressure vessel. A baffle plate is disposed in the pressure vessel and separates the pressure vessel into an internal pressurizer volume disposed above the baffle plate and an operational PWR volume disposed below the baffle plate. The baffle plate comprises first and second spaced apart plates and includes a pressure transfer passage having a lower end in fluid communication with the operational PWR volume and an upper end in fluid communication with the internal pressurizer volume at a level below an operational pressurizer liquid level range. A vent pipe has a lower end in fluid communication with the operational PWR volume and an upper end in fluid communication with the internal pressurizer volume at a level above the operational pressurizer liquid level range.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 16, 2011
    Date of Patent: March 25, 2014
    Assignees: Babcock & Wilcox Canada Ltd., Babcock & Wilcox Nuclear Energy, Inc.
    Inventors: Franz E. Steinmoeller, Michael J. Edwards, Nick Idvorian, Yuanming R. Li
  • Publication number: 20130259185
    Abstract: A radioactive debris trap to be installed in a steam generator for removing debris in the primary flow of a nuclear power plant's primary heat transport system. The debris trap includes an outer cylinder and a coaxial inner cylinder both having a top end and a bottom end. A top plate connects the top ends of the outer and inner cylinders. A bottom plate which encloses the trap is connected to the bottom end of the outer cylinder. There is a gap between the bottom end of the inner cylinder and the bottom plate through which primary flow enters a settling chamber located in an annular gap between the outer and inner cylinders. Several small holes are located at the top end of the outer cylinder through which liquid exits the debris trap. A means for fixedly connecting the debris trap to the steam generator is provided on the outer surface of the outer cylinder. Also included is a means for removing the radioactive debris trap from the steam generator without exposing personnel to excessive radiation.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 26, 2013
    Publication date: October 3, 2013
    Applicant: Babcock & Wilcox Canada Ltd.
    Inventor: Franz E. Steinmoeller
  • Publication number: 20120294410
    Abstract: A pressurized water reactor (PWR) includes a pressure vessel and a nuclear reactor core disposed in the pressure vessel. A baffle plate is disposed in the pressure vessel and separates the pressure vessel into an internal pressurizer volume disposed above the baffle plate and an operational PWR volume disposed below the baffle plate. The baffle plate comprises first and second spaced apart plates and includes a pressure transfer passage having a lower end in fluid communication with the operational PWR volume and an upper end in fluid communication with the internal pressurizer volume at a level below an operational pressurizer liquid level range. A vent pipe has a lower end in fluid communication with the operational PWR volume and an upper end in fluid communication with the internal pressurizer volume at a level above the operational pressurizer liquid level range.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 16, 2011
    Publication date: November 22, 2012
    Inventors: Franz E. Steinmoeller, Michael J. Edwards, Nick Idvorian, Yuanming R. Li