Abstract: A method of preventing separation of a feedwater sparger end bracket assembly comprises installing first and second clamp members of a clamp over a feedwater sparger end bracket assembly in opposition to one another, and leaving the clamp in place to constrain the feedwater sparger end bracket assembly against separation in first, second and third directions.

Abstract: A constrained feedwater sparger end bracket assembly comprises a boiling water reactor vessel, a feedwater sparger including a conduit within the vessel, a feedwater sparger end bracket assembly connected to an end of the conduit at a sparger/bracket junction, and a clamp secured on the feedwater sparger end bracket assembly. The clamp constrains the feedwater sparger end bracket assembly in directions horizontal, vertical and radial to the vessel.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for mechanically reinforcing the weld between a riser pipe and riser brace of a jet pump assembly are characterized by first and second attachment members for attachment on a riser brace of the jet pump assembly, and first and second clamp bodies respectively pivotally mounted on the attachment members for movement to a clamping position. In the clamping position, respective abutment surfaces of the clamp bodies are forced against a riser pipe that is attached to a yoke of the riser brace. The abutment surfaces apply radial forces to the riser pipe, and the radial forces are reacted by forces applied against the yoke by respective engagement elements of the attachment members whereby the riser pipe and riser brace are clamped together between the abutment surfaces and the engagement elements.

Abstract: A clamp for a feedwater sparger end bracket assembly in a boiling water reactor vessel comprises first and second clamp members disposed in opposition over a feedwater sparger end bracket assembly and a connector connecting the first and second clamp members to one another over the feedwater sparger end bracket assembly. Each clamp member has a compartment for receiving a portion of the feedwater sparger end bracket assembly, and the clamp constrains the feedwater sparger end bracket assembly against separation in first, second and third directions. Each clamp member includes shoulders and tabs which place the clamp and the feedwater sparger in equilibrium.

Abstract: In a boiling water reactor having a core shroud disposed within a reactor vessel and a plurality of tie rods installed between vertically spaced sites on the core shroud as part of a core shroud repair, a method of measuring tie rod preload after installation includes the steps of lowering a tool into the reactor vessel from a remote location positioned externally of the reactor vessel, attaching the tool to an upper portion of a tie rod, using the tool to apply a tensile load along a longitudinal axis of the tie rod, measuring the tensile load applied to the tie rod, measuring axial displacement of the tie rod in response to the applied tensile load, plotting the applied load versus the axial displacement measured, and identifying a change in slope on the load-displacement plot occurring at a load corresponding to the tie rod preload.

Abstract: In a boiling water reactor having a core shroud disposed within a reactor vessel and a plurality of tie rods installed between vertically spaced sites on the core shroud as part of a core shroud repair, a method of measuring tie rod preload after installation includes the steps of lowering a tool into the reactor vessel from a remote location positioned externally of the reactor vessel, attaching the tool to an upper portion of a tie rod, using the tool to apply a tensile load along a longitudinal axis of the tie rod, measuring the tensile load applied to the tie rod, measuring axial displacement of the tie rod in response to the applied tensile load, plotting the applied load versus the axial displacement measured, and identifying a change in slope on the load-displacement plot occurring at a load corresponding to the tie rod preload.

Abstract: A clip made of a single flat spring strip with a hook portion at one end insertable between the rim and the exposed wall of the tire adjacent the rim, and a cylindrical loop formed from its other end opposite to said hook so that free edge of the loop is substantially at the same level as the top of the hook and is spaced therefrom to a distance narrower than the thickness of a link or hook at the end of a snow chain thereby to prevent accidental disengagement of the chain link.