Abstract: A method and apparatus for repairing nuclear reactor core shrouds having horizontal cracks in heat affected zones of welds joining a horizontal plate to upper and lower cylindrical sections of the shroud includes securing a plurality of braces between an upper shroud flange and a top surface of the horizontal plate near an inner edge of the plate. The braces are installed at a respective plurality of angularly spaced locations within the upper cylindrical section of the shroud and each have an upper notched end for bearing against a bottom edge of the flange and a lower notched end for bearing against the top surface of the horizontal plate and/or an outer peripheral edge of an upper core grid structure mounted on the top surface of the plate.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for repairing nuclear reactor core shrouds includes applying vertical compressive forces to the shroud in situ to urge opposed ends of the shroud toward one another using a plurality of tie-rods, each including a plurality of coaxial longitudinal members separated by a radial gap filled with reactor coolant or some other damping fluid. One of the longitudinal members is secured to upper and lower portions of the shroud for maintaining a sufficient preload to hold the shroud together and is coupled with one or more other longitudinal members in a manner to transmit axial loads thereto upon extending a predetermined axial distance. A plurality of radial spacers can also be positioned at longitudinally spaced locations along the length of the tie-rod to assure control rod insertion by limiting lateral movement of the shroud and can reduce the preload required for preventing the formation of new cracks and stabilizing existing cracks.

Abstract: A method of repairing nuclear reactor core shrouds having horizontal cracks in heat affected zones of welds includes applying vertical compressive forces to the shroud in situ to urge opposed surfaces of the cracks toward one another. A plurality of tie rods, angularly spaced about the shroud periphery, is used to selectively apply the longitudinally compressive forces. Preferably, the method utilizes existing hardware secured to the shroud for attaching the tie rods thereto. The tie rods may be used in communication with horizontal and/or vertical spacers inserted between the shroud and the reactor vessel. Horizontal spacers serve to resist horizontal seismic loads and hold the shroud in place in spite of cracking. Vertical spacers resist vertically upward loads resulting from main steam line breaks.

Abstract: A method of repairing nuclear reactor core shrouds having horizontal cracks in heat affected zones of welds includes applying vertical compressive forces to the shroud in situ to urge opposed surfaces of the cracks toward one another. A plurality of tie rods, angularly spaced about the shroud periphery, is used to selectively apply the longitudinally compressive forces. Preferably, the method utilizes existing hardware secured to the shroud for attaching the tie rods thereto. The tie rods may be used in connection with horizontal and/or vertical spacers inserted between the shroud and the reactor vessel. Horizontal spacers serve to resist horizontal seismic loads and hold the shroud in place in spite of cracking. Vertical spacers resist vertically upward loads resulting from main steam line breaks.