Abstract: A wheeled transporter is placed at the periphery of the tube bundle which extends up from its tube sheet within a nuclear steam generator shell. The transporter is formed in hinged sections which can be disengaged as required at the periphery of the tube bundle. A cable attached to each end of the transporter extend through the handholes for movement of the transporter along the bundle periphery. Pistons on the transporter are controlled remotely to extend into engagement with the internal wall of the generator shell to selectively immobilize the transporter at any desired peripheral position and thereby form a steady base for maintenance and inspection devices mounted on the transporter.

Abstract: An apparatus for inserting cleaning plugs into the ends of tubes to be cleaned including a tool, a handle on the tool capable of being held by an operator, a chamber having an open end capable of being aligned with the open end of the tube to be cleaned, a first ram opposite the open end, a first piston-cylinder capable of moving the ram through the chamber and retracting it therefrom thereby forcing a cleaning plug into the tube, a magazine opening laterally from the first ram and open end into the chamber, a second ram positioned so as to move cleaning plugs from the magazine into the chamber, a second piston-cylinder capable of moving the second ram through and retracting it from the magazine, a housing for a chain of cleaning plugs, the housing opening into the magazine, a gas source maintaining a constant pressure on the chain of cleaning plugs so as to force a cleaning plug into the chamber when nothing else occupies it, and a trigger on the handle which in a first position pressurizes the second piston

Abstract: A "finger walker" apparatus for remotely traversing a flat surface having a regular array of openings, such as the tube sheet of a nuclear steam generator. The apparatus has a rectangular base having four base fingers disposed in a rectangular pattern for engagement with the openings. An annular platform surrounds the base and is rotatable about the base. The base is adapted to move linearly a pitch multiple within the platform. Fingers on the platform are adapted for engagement with the openings. The apparatus can orient itself for movement in one of many directions by engaging the platform fingers, disengaging the base fingers and rotating the base until the axis of the base is aligned with the intended direction of travel. The apparatus then advances by alternatingly engaging and disengaging the base and platform fingers in coordination with the base and platform moving linearly relative to each other.

Abstract: A leak detection system 40 particularly suited for employment in a steam generator 10 of the type that embodies at least one tube sheet 34 or 36 to which ends of a multiplicity of elongated tubular members 32 are suitably secured. The subject leak detection system 40 is operative both for purposes of detecting the occurrence of leaks in the steam generator 10 as well as for purposes of enabling a determination to be made as to the probable location of the leaks and the direction of flow of the leaking fluid.

Abstract: An intermediate heat exchanger for a liquid metal cooled nuclear reactor and method. The heat exchanger includes a plurality of thermally uncompensated tubes mounted in the heat exchanger for carrying a liquid metal heating fluid from a hot pool to a cool pool in the nuclear reactor and a shell enclosing these tubes for bringing a liquid metal heated fluid into thermal communication with both said tubes and said heating fluid. In operation the shell is heated by thermal communication with the hot pool to a temperature substantially greater than the temperature of the tubes. The elevated temperature of the shell stresses the tubes in tension and the heat exchanger is thereby capable of accommodating differential thermal expansion.

Abstract: A remotely controlled periscope assembly that is used in conjunction with closed circuit television apparatus to view the inside of tubes in a nuclear steam generator or other apparatus. The periscope assembly is moved universally to any given location and then it is readily collapsed after visual identity has been accomplished to permit the insertion of an aligned tool deemed necessary for maintenance or repair.