Tube support system for nuclear steam generators

摘要

Apparatus for a steam generator that employs tube support plates within a shroud that is in turn disposed within a shell. The tube support plates are made of a material having a coefficient of thermal expansion lower than that of the shroud. The tube support plates are aligned during fabrication, with minimal clearances between components. Using a tube support displacement system, a controlled misalignment is then imposed on one or more tube support plates, as the steam generator heats up. The tube support plate displacement system has only one part, a push rod, which is internal to the steam generator shroud, thereby minimizing the potential of loose parts. The tube support plate displacement system can be used to provide controlled misalignments on one or more tube support plates, in the same or varying amounts and directions, and with one or more apparatus for each individual tube support plate.

主权项

1. A tube support system for use in a heat exchanger having a plurality of tubes in spaced parallel relation for flow of fluid there through for heat transfer with a fluid flowing there over, the heat exchanger further having a shroud, the shroud disposed within a pressure shell and surrounding the tubes, the tube support system comprising:
a tube support plate disposed transverse to the tubes, the support plate being made of a material having a lower coefficient of thermal expansion than the shroud; and means for displacing the tube support plate in a lateral direction transverse to the tubes.