Abstract: A method and assembly for securing a cylindrical centering pin in a bore formed in a plate includes introducing an end of a centering pin to be secured to a plate into a bore formed in the plate until at least part of a coaxial, radially deformable wall portion of the end to be secured protrudes beyond the plate; and generating pressure in a closed hollow space surrounded by the wall portion with a pressure fluid until the wall portion radially expands and anchors the centering pin. According to another method and assembly, the end is introduced into the bore until at least part of the end to be secured, which has a periphery and an interior with radial slits formed therein, protrudes beyond the plate; and a mandrel-like tool is partially brought into the slits in the interior of the end of the centering pin and radially expands the end of the centering pin with the tool for anchoring the centering pin.

Abstract: A method of securing a cylindrical centering pin for a nuclear fuel assembly in a bore formed in a plate includes introducing an end of the centering pin into the bore until at least part of a coaxial, radially expandable wall portion of the end to be secured protrudes beyond the plate; and generating pressure in a closed hollow space surrounded by the wall portion with a pressure fluid until the wall portion radially expands and anchors the centering pin. According to another method, the end is introduced into the bore until at least part of the end to be secured, which has a periphery and an interior with radial slits formed therein, protrudes beyond the plate; and a mandrel-like tool is partially brought into the slits in the interior of the end of the centering pin and radially expands the end of the centering pin with the tool for anchoring the centering pin.

Abstract: A pressurized-water reactor pressure vessel connects via a main coolant pipe loop including a main coolant pump, with the lower portion of at least one vertical steam generator horizontally offset from the pressure vessel. This equipment is contained by a concrete structure entirely enclosing the pressure vessel and forming a generator room horizontally enclosing the generator and the loop and extending upwardly to an open top closed by a horizontal ceiling. The concrete structure is completely surrounded by a spherical steel containment shell designed to withstand any internal fluid pressure which might result from an accidental release of the coolant inside of this shell, and the shell forms a large space above the entire concrete structure.

Abstract: A nuclear power plant has a safety enclosure for a nuclear reactor. A fuel element storage basin is also located in this safety enclosure and a fuel element lock extends through the enclosure, with a cross-sectional size proportioned for the endwise passage of fuel elements, the lock including internal and external valves so that a fuel element may be locked endwise safely through the lock. The lock, including its valves, being of small size, does not materially affect the pressure resistance of the safety enclosure, and it is more easily operated than a lock large enough to pass people and fuel element transport vessels.