Abstract: Two sets of heater support members angularly distributed around a central vertical member are radially extendable individually or in groups to position heater elements within a preset distance of the cylindrical walls of any one of a series of pressure vessels having a range of diameters. A convex bottom heater support member is provided for each diameter vessel and is axially telescoped into the central vertical member so that an additional set of heater support members can be installed between the first mentioned two sets of heater support members and the bottom heater support member to accommodate for varying depths of the vessels in the series. Thermocouples are extended from the annealing device by actuators which use a spring or pneumatic pressure to press the thermocouple against the vessel wall with a preset constant force for accurate temperature measurements.

Abstract: A method of mounting a thermocouple assembly on a surface of a metal member by fusion welding of the thermocouple assembly sheath to the metal surface whereby the welding operation can be entirely carried out from a remote location either in air or in an underwater environment. The method generally comprises: positioning the thermocouple assembly so that the axis of the sheath extends perpendicular to the surface of the metal member, pressing the thermocouple assembly against the surface of the metal member so that the outer end surface of the tip portion of the sheath contacts the surface of the metal member; and fusion welding the tip portion to the surface of the metal member by connecting a source of d.c. potential across the sheath and the metal member and passing a d.c. current through the metal sheath and the metal member for a desired period of time.

Abstract: Two sets of heater support members angularly distributed around a central vertical member are radially extendable individually or in groups to position heater elements within a preset distance of the cylindrical walls of any one of a series of pressure vessels having a range of diameters. A convex bottom heater support member is provided for each diameter vessel and is axially telescoped into the central vertical member so that an additional set of heater support members can be installed between the first mentioned two sets of heater support members and the bottom heater support member to accommodate for varying depths of the vessels in the series. Thermocouples are extended from the annealing device by actuators which use a spring or pneumatic pressure to press the thermocouple against the vessel wall with a preset constant force for accurate temperature measurements.

Abstract: A quick-acting stud tensioner tool for enabling the loosening or tightening of a stud nut on a reactor vessel stud. The tool engages the vessel stud by closing a gripper mechanism around an upper end of the vessel stud upon a transfer of the mass of the tool from a hoist to a support structure surrounding the vessel stud. After the stud has been elongated, the gripper mechanism releases the vessel stud when the mass of the tool is transferred from the support structure surrounding the vessel stud to the hoist.

Abstract: In a steam generator an ultrasonic probe is used to measure the accumulation of sludge between the tubes. A ribbon-like probe carrier is fed into the vessel and deflected by a carriage placed in alignment with a lane of tubes at 90.degree., the probe head being advanced in the lane to measure vertically and sideways the distance to the surface of the sludge. The probe carrier consists of two steel tapes held face-to-face by a plastic tube which has been heat shrunk. The conductors for the transducers are contained in the space between concave tapes. An adaptor mounted at the end of the probe carrier is amovably connected to the probe head. Probe head, adaptor and probe carrier are sealed so that measurement can be conducted inside the steam generator supposedly filled with water.