Abstract: A nuclear reactor is designed to couple the load path of control elements with the reactor core, thus reducing opportunity for differential movement between the control elements and the reactor core. A core barrel can be fabricated in a manufacturing facility to include the reactor core, control element supports, and control element drive system. The core barrel can be mounted to a reactor vessel head. Movement, such as through seismic forces, transmits an equal direction and magnitude to the control elements and the reactor core, thus inhibiting the opportunity for differential movement.

Abstract: A nuclear reactor is constructed in sub-modules and super modules which are manufactured, packaged, and shipped to a construction site. At least some of the modules are packaged in suitable shielding containers or portions of containers, which may be steel. The modules are assembled on-site, and some of the modules remain within their respective shipping containers after assembly. One or more of the shipping containers may be used as concrete forms to support the pouring of concrete in between selected modules. The concrete may be used for structural support, shielding, or both.

Abstract: A nuclear reactor is designed to couple the load path of the control elements with the reactor core, thus reducing the opportunity for differential movement between the control elements and the reactor core. A cartridge core barrel can be fabricated in a manufacturing facility to include the reactor core, control element supports, and control element drive system. The cartridge core barrel can be mounted to a reactor vessel head, and any movement, such as through seismic forces, transmits an equal direction and magnitude to the control elements and the reactor core, thus inhibiting the opportunity for differential movement.

Abstract: A nuclear reactor is designed to couple the load path of the control elements with the reactor core, thus reducing the opportunity for differential movement between the control elements and the reactor core. A cartridge core barrel can be fabricated in a manufacturing facility to include the reactor core, control element supports, and control element drive system. The cartridge core barrel can be mounted to a reactor vessel head, and any movement, such as through seismic forces, transmits an equal direction and magnitude to the control elements and the reactor core, thus inhibiting the opportunity for differential movement.

Abstract: Systems repair jet pump elbow joining structures like RS1 and RS2 welds. Systems include a base having legs that secure to ends of the elbow in different directions, and a drive plate that joins to flow conduits where they meet the elbow. The drive plate and base may then be pushed together, resulting in compression or joining of the elbow and flow conduit. Multiple drive plates may be used with a single base to compress multiple flow conduits to the base. The base and the drive plates can be driven together with a driving bolt extending through the base and driving plate. To provide a better fit, grooves can be created in the flow conduits through machining from the installed base. The drive plate may be seated into the groove to achieve a desired orientation with less slippage. Example embodiments and methods do not require welding or a welding base.

Abstract: Systems enhance stand pipe alignment and security with braces docking to the stand pipes. A link connects pairs of braces so the braces and stand pipes docked thereby cannot move relative to each other when fully secured. Partially securing braces allows adjustment of the braces and distance between the same and thus stand pipe position. Fully securing the braces makes the entire system rigid without need for a tie bar. Braces and links can be installed and secured to the stand pipes and among each other at an axial position from above the stand pipes, so that overhead, simple tooling may be used. A crimp nut or other resilient connector may be used to secure the systems from that single dimension with simple tooling. Any number of braces, joining to any number of other braces, may be used in the system, and several systems may be used at various levels.

Abstract: Systems repair jet pump elbow joining structures like RS1 and RS2 welds. Systems include a base having legs that secure to ends of the elbow in different directions, and a drive plate that joins to flow conduits where they meet the elbow. The drive plate and may then be pushed together, resulting in compression or joining of the elbow and flow conduit. Multiple drive plates may be used with a single base to compress multiple flow conduits to the base. The base and the drive plates can be driven together with a driving bolt extending through the base and driving plate. To provide a better fit, grooves can be created in the flow conduits through machining from the installed base. The drive plate may then be seated into the groove to achieve a desired orientation with less slippage. Example embodiments and methods do not require welding or a welding base.