Shroud repair clamp

U.S. Patent Number: 5392322

Abstract: A method and an apparatus for repairing a shroud in which the top guide support ring has been subjected to stress corrosion cracking. The method involves the placement of a plurality of clamps around the outer circumference of the shroud at a plurality of azimuthal positions between jet pump assemblies. The clamps structurally replace the welds that join the top guide support ring to the upper and lower shroud walls. The shroud repair clamps support the top guide, the fuel bundle assemblies and the shroud head. The shroud repair clamps are bolted to the shroud above and below the top guide support ring in a manner which will prevent relative movement across the top guide support ring welds during all normal and upset conditions.

Inventors: Whitling; Robert W. (Morgan Hill, CA), Koepke; Barry H. (San Jose, CA), Charnley; James E. (Nevada City, CA)

Assignee: General Electric Company (San Jose, CA)

Application Number: 08/155,731

Issued: 1995-02-21

Expired: 2007-02-21

Classes: 376/260 ; 29/402.15; 376/302

Field of search: 376/260,302,303,304 29/402.01,402.07,402.08,402.14,402.15,402.16,402.17,723,906

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