Abstract: EDM assemblies mount on a machining surface and discharge rotating sub-electrodes against the surface. The sub-electrodes can also revolve about another shared axis while discharging. Rotation and revolution may be achieved with planetary gears fixed with the sub-electrodes and meshing with a stationary sun gear. Several sub-electrodes can be used in a single assembly. Downward movement of the sub-electrodes from a central shaft on the mount allows several inches of the surface to be machined. Assemblies are usable in a nuclear reactor during a maintenance period to machine a hole for a replacement manway cover underwater in the flooded reactor. The differing rotational movements and vertical movement can be independently controlled with separate motors in the assembly. Power and controls may be provided remotely through an underwater connection.

Abstract: Clamp systems include multiple, separate clamps joinable to components subject to relative rotation. Clamps may have similarly-positioned features to simplify installation and/or removal about a small area for all clamps in the system. Each clamp cannot freely rotate relative to an adjacent clamp but does not pass vertical loads to an adjacent clamp. Clamps may use mating shapes like an extension and recess to limit rotation. Clamps fit to the perimeters of components to which they individually secure by biasing against the components. At least one clamp has a transitional surface to provide space between the clamp and component to provide containment to a weld or other joining structure. Clamp systems can be tightened by included fasteners. Crimp nuts or other locking structures can preserve the biased and secured nature of the clamps and underlying structures. Clamp systems may be used to secure or repair a lifting rod assembly.

Abstract: EDM assemblies mount on a machining surface and discharge rotating sub-electrodes against the surface. The sub-electrodes can also revolve about another shared axis while discharging. Rotation and revolution may be achieved with planetary gears fixed with the sub-electrodes and meshing with a stationary sun gear. Several sub-electrodes can be used in a single assembly. Downward movement of the sub-electrodes from a central shaft on the mount allows several inches of the surface to be machined. Assemblies are usable in a nuclear reactor during a maintenance period to machine a hole for a replacement manway cover underwater in the flooded reactor. The differing rotational movements and vertical movement can be independently controlled with separate motors in the assembly. Power and controls may be provided remotely through an underwater connection.

Abstract: EDM assemblies mount on a machining surface and discharge rotating sub-electrodes against the surface. The sub-electrodes can also revolve about another shared axis while discharging. Rotation and revolution may be achieved with planetary gears fixed with the sub-electrodes and meshing with a stationary sun gear. Several sub-electrodes can be used in a single assembly. Downward movement of the sub-electrodes from a central shaft on the mount allows several inches of the surface to be machined. Assemblies are usable in a nuclear reactor during a maintenance period to machine a hole for a replacement manway cover underwater in the flooded reactor. The differing rotational movements and vertical movement can be independently controlled with separate motors in the assembly. Power and controls may be provided remotely through an underwater connection.

Abstract: Systems remotely polish and compress surfaces for working, including surfaces created through electrical discharge machining. A bridge may secure about the surface and carry a spindle that rotatably extends downward and carries a polishing assembly. The polishing assembly can push against the surface while polishing the same with larger amounts of force. The polisher can be moved about a perimeter of the surface and vertically. Systems may be remotely operated with a pneumatic slide, hydraulic motor, and/or stepper motor. Spotfaces formed from electrical discharge machining, including those in nuclear facilities and deep underwater, may have recast layers removed with such systems without manual or direct operator interface.

Abstract: Slip joint clamps seat on a diffuser end via external features of the diffuser, like guide ears, regardless of slip joint wear or damage. The clamps can be opened and closed to surround an inlet mixer forming a slip joint with the diffuser without disassembly. Slip joint clamps drive or bias the inlet mixer in a lateral direction largely perpendicular to the axial orientation and end of the diffuser to achieve a desired preload force in the inlet mixer and clamp connection. Clamp arms include rotatable halves that, when joined, form a complete fill between an inner surface of the diffuser and outer surface of the inlet mixer. A lateral drive pushes the inlet mixer against the clamp and may include a resistive element. An accessible set of guide ear bolts and lateral driving bolts permit exterior manipulation to axially mount or laterally bias the clamp in the slip joint.

Abstract: EDM assemblies mount on a machining surface and discharge rotating sub-electrodes against the surface. The sub-electrodes can also revolve about another shared axis while discharging. Rotation and revolution may be achieved with planetary gears fixed with the sub-electrodes and meshing with a stationary sun gear. Several sub-electrodes can be used in a single assembly. Downward movement of the sub-electrodes from a central shaft on the mount allows several inches of the surface to be machined. Assemblies are usable in a nuclear reactor during a maintenance period to machine a hole for a replacement manway cover underwater in the flooded reactor. The differing rotational movements and vertical movement can be independently controlled with separate motors in the assembly. Power and controls may be provided remotely through an underwater connection.

Abstract: Slip joint clamps seat on a diffuser end via external features of the diffuser, like guide ears, regardless of slip joint wear or damage. The clamps can be opened and closed to surround an inlet mixer forming a slip joint with the diffuser without disassembly. Slip joint clamps drive or bias the inlet mixer in a lateral direction largely perpendicular to the axial orientation and end of the diffuser to achieve a desired preload force in the inlet mixer and clamp connection. Clamp arms include rotatable halves that, when joined, form a complete fill between an inner surface of the diffuser and outer surface of the inlet mixer. A lateral drive pushes the inlet mixer against the clamp and may include a resistive element. An accessible set of guide ear bolts and lateral driving bolts permit exterior manipulation to axially mount or laterally bias the clamp in the slip joint.

Abstract: A retainer is placed on a conduit to control movement of objects within the conduit in access-restricted areas. Retainers can prevent or allow movement in the conduit in a discriminatory fashion. A fork with variable-spacing between prongs can be a retainer and be extended or collapsed with respect to the conduit to change the size of the conduit. Different objects of different sizes may thus react to the fork differently, some passing and some being blocked. Retainers can be installed in inaccessible areas and allow selective movement in remote portions of conduit where users cannot directly interface, including below nuclear reactors. Position detectors can monitor the movement of objects through the conduit remotely as well, permitting engagement of a desired level of restriction and object movement. Retainers are useable in a variety of nuclear power plants and with irradiation target delivery, harvesting, driving, and other remote handling or robotic systems.

Abstract: A system for dampening the vibrations experienced by a sensing line connected to a jet pump within a nuclear reactor pressure vessel. The system may include an eccentric clamp assembly (ECA). The ECA includes: a cam member and saddle; a key member, such as a t-bolt; an eccentric member; a clamp member; clamp body. A jacking bolt, washers, and an ECA connector lock the assembly in place. The ECA allows for adjustment in multiple directions, reducing installation time.

Abstract: A system for dampening the vibrations experienced by a sensing line connected to a jet pump within a nuclear reactor pressure vessel. The system may include an eccentric clamp assembly (ECA). The ECA includes: a cam member and saddle; a key member, such as a t-bolt; an eccentric member; a clamp member; clamp body. A jacking bolt, washers, and an ECA connector lock the assembly in place. The ECA allows for adjustment in multiple directions, reducing installation time.

Abstract: An apparatus for delivering a tool into a nuclear reactor jet pump submerged in a reactor pool includes a frame, and a propulsion unit for controlling the movement of the tool delivery apparatus within a pool of liquid. A guide assembly provides for delivery and insertion of the tool into an inlet of the jet pump and includes a bore insertion portion. A tool position driver provides for controlling the vertical position of the tool in relation to the guide assembly.

Abstract: Methods and systems for preparing a substrate implementing a surface tension reducing process are provided. In one example, a substrate preparation system includes a chuck which fingers for edge gripping the substrate. The chuck is hollow to provide simultaneous access to both active and backside surfaces of the substrate, and is configured to rotate the substrate. The system includes dispense arms positioned over the substrate surfaces. The dispense arms are capable of moving between a center region and a periphery of the substrate surfaces, and each dispense arm includes a pair of supply lines for delivering fluids over the substrate surfaces. A connection couples the upper dispense arm with the lower dispense arm so that the dispense arms synchronously move between the center region and the periphery of the substrate, and remain aligned on opposite surfaces of the substrate.

Abstract: Method of welding metal wherein a crack to be welded is surrounded with a flux in a substantially water-free environment and welded. The flux acts as backing for the welding operation and permits the welding to be carried out in the absence of an inert gas purge or metallic backing pre-placed on the weld.

Abstract: A reactor pressure vessel (RPV) for a nuclear reactor that permits measurement of the flow through each reactor internal pump (RIP) is described. The reactor pressure vessel also includes at least one reactor internal pump that includes an impeller and a pump diffuser. At least two seal rings extend circumferentially around an outer surface of the diffuser housing outer wall and are located in circumferential grooves in the housing outer wall. At least one lateral bore extends through the housing outer wall into a diffuser housing longitudinal flow passage. Each lateral bore is located in an area between two adjacent seal rings, with each inter-seal ring area containing one lateral bore. At least one pressure tap bore extends from the outer surface of the RPV bottom head petal, through the pump deck to an inner surface of a pump deck opening. Each pressure tap bore is aligned with an area in the RIP containing a corresponding lateral bore.

Abstract: Methods and systems for preparing a substrate implementing a surface tension reducing process are provided. In one example, a substrate preparation system includes a chuck which fingers for edge gripping the substrate. The chuck is hollow to provide simultaneous access to both active and backside surfaces of the substrate, and is configured to rotate the substrate. The system includes dispense arms positioned over the substrate surfaces. The dispense arms are capable of moving between a center region and a periphery of the substrate surfaces, and each dispense arm includes a pair of supply lines for delivering fluids over the substrate surfaces. A connection couples the upper dispense arm with the lower dispense arm so that the dispense arms synchronously move between the center region and the periphery of the substrate, and remain aligned on opposite surfaces of the substrate.

Abstract: Method of welding metal wherein a crack to be welded is surrounded with a flux in a substantially water-free environment and welded. The flux acts as backing for the welding operation and permits the welding to be carried out in the absence of an inert gas purge or metallic backing pre-placed on the weld.

Abstract: A forged nozzle shell course for a pressure vessel includes shell course comprising at least one reinforcement portion extending radially outward from an outer surface of the shell course with each reinforcing portion including a nozzle having a radius. The nozzle includes a bore extending from an outside surface of the reinforcing portion to an inside surface of the shell course, and at least one extension attachment surface located adjacent to and coaxial to the bore. The reinforcing portion having a longitudinal dimension equal to about 2.0 times the radius of the nozzle, and a circumferential dimension equal to about 1.5 times the radius of the nozzle, measured from the centerline of the nozzle bore.

Abstract: A forged upper shroud section which may be machined from a single piece rectangular cross-section ring forging and includes a circular flange and a cylindrical shell is described. Openings and slots are machined into the flange to align and support the shroud head. A groove is machined along an inside surface of the cylinder section, and the groove may be used to support top guide grid (not shown). An end of the cylinder section is machined with a weld prep for attachment to the core section of the shroud.

Abstract: The weld reinforcement includes a generally dogbone-shaped pocket having laterally enlarged end portions and a reduced intermediate portion spanning a weld seam. A complementary-shaped reinforcing element is received in the pocket. The pocket includes a projection which is received in an opening in the overlying reinforcing element. A wedge-type clamp retainer is received about the projection within the opening to secure the element within the pocket.