Process and tools to perform reactor pressure vessel nozzle expansion mitigating primary coolant leakage

Patent metadata

Field	Value
Publication number	US-12573513-B2
Application number	US-202217836396-A
Country	US
Kind code	B2
Filing date	Jun 9, 2022
Priority date	Jun 9, 2022
Publication date	Mar 10, 2026
Grant date	Mar 10, 2026

Abstract

A nozzle expansion tool includes a frame with a drive system on the frame. A rotary mandrel is drivingly connected to the drive system and is engageable with an expansion roller device. A plurality of vacuum cups are mounted to the frame and each include a vacuum fitting adapted to be connected to a vacuum source. A depth adjustment mechanism is connected to the expansion roller device and is configured to adjust a distance that the expansion roller device extends from the frame.

First claim

The invention claimed is:

1 . A nozzle expansion tool, comprising:
a frame; a drive system on the frame; a rotary mandrel drivingly connected to the drive system; an expansion roller device engageable by the rotary mandrel; a first plurality of vacuum cups mounted to a front end of the frame and each including a vacuum fitting configured to connect to a vacuum source; and an additional vacuum cup supported by an extension system that is extendable and retractable relative to the first plurality of vacuum cups, the additional vacuum cup including a vacuum fitting configured to connect to the vacuum source.

2 . The nozzle expansion tool according to claim 1 , further comprising at least one bumper stop extending from a front face of the frame.

3 . The nozzle expansion tool according to claim 1 , further comprising a depth adjustment mechanism connected to the expansion roller device and configured to adjust a distance that the expansion roller device extends from the frame.

4 . The nozzle expansion tool according to claim 3 , wherein the depth adjustment mechanism includes a mandrel support housing rotatably supporting the mandrel and axially movable relative to the frame.

5 . The nozzle expansion tool according to claim 4 , wherein the depth adjustment mechanism includes a linkage system adjustable by a threaded rod to extend and retract a position of the mandrel support housing relative to the frame.

6 . The nozzle expansion tool according to claim 1 , wherein the drive system includes one of a pneumatic and a hydraulic motor.

7 . The nozzle expansion tool according to claim 1 , wherein the drive system is supported by a support structure that is movable in a fore and aft direction relative to the frame.

8 . A nozzle expansion tool, comprising:
a frame; a drive system on the frame; a rotary mandrel drivingly connected to the drive system; an expansion roller device extending from the frame and engageable by the rotary mandrel; and a depth adjustment mechanism connected to the expansion roller device and configured to adjust a distance that the expansion roller device extends from the frame, wherein the depth adjustment mechanism includes a mandrel support housing rotatably supporting the mandrel and axially movable relative to the frame, wherein the depth adjustment mechanism includes a linkage system adjustable by a threaded rod to extend and retract a position of the mandrel support housing relative to the frame.

9 . The nozzle expansion tool according to claim 8 , further comprising:
a plurality of vacuum cups mounted to the frame and each including a vacuum fitting configured to connect to a vacuum source and an additional vacuum cup supported by an extension system that is extendable and retractable relative to a forward end of the frame.

10 . The nozzle expansion tool according to claim 8 , wherein the drive system includes one of a pneumatic and a hydraulic motor.

11 . The nozzle expansion tool according to claim 8 , wherein the drive system is supported by a support structure that is movable in a fore and aft direction relative to the frame.

12 . The nozzle expansion tool according to claim 8 , further comprising a reaction pole connected to the frame.

13 . A nozzle expansion tool, comprising:
a frame; a drive system on the frame; a rotary mandrel drivingly connected to the drive system; an expansion roller device extending from the frame and engageable by the rotary mandrel, the expansion roller device including an expansion head supporting a plurality of expansion rollers, wherein the rotary mandrel includes a tapered exterior surface that engages the plurality of expansion rollers; a depth adjustment mechanism connected to the expansion roller device and configured to adjust a distance that the expansion roller device extends from the frame, wherein the drive system is supported by a support structure that is movable in a fore and aft direction relative to the frame; and a plurality of vacuum cups mounted to the frame and each including a vacuum fitting configured to connect to a vacuum source and an additional vacuum cup supported by an extension system that is extendable and retractable relative to a forward end of the frame.

14 . The nozzle expansion tool according to claim 13 , wherein the drive system includes one of a pneumatic and a hydraulic motor.

15 . The nozzle expansion tool according to claim 13 , further comprising a reaction pole connected to the frame.

Assignees

• Ge Hitachi Nuclear Energy Americas Llc

Inventors

• Wandrey Kenneth A

Classifications

• B21D41/023

  comprising rolling elements · CPC title

• G21C13/032

  Joints between tubes and vessel walls, e.g. taking into account thermal stresses · CPC title

• Y02E30/30

  Nuclear fission reactors · CPC title

• G21C17/01

  Inspection of the inner surfaces of vessels · CPC title

• G21C17/017 Primary

  Inspection or maintenance of pipe-lines or tubes in nuclear installations · CPC title