Method and apparatus for the shielded relocation of a nuclear component

摘要

A nuclear component transfer device that incorporates a shielded canister into the mast design of a conventional nuclear refueling machine. A moveable mast telescopes within a stationary mast which is attached to a bridge for lateral positioning. The canister allows for the addition of shielding that is positioned with the movement of the moveable mast without additional motorized components to deploy the shielding during nuclear component movement. The nuclear component is drawn up into the shielded canister as the moveable mast lifts the nuclear component. The nuclear component is then placed into a transfer cart that is also fitted with a shielded canister. The transfer is made without exposing the nuclear components resulting in completely shield movement.

主权项

1. A machine for moving a nuclear plant component from a first location to another comprising:
a bridge assembly for positioning the machine over the nuclear plant component to be moved; a stationary mast supported from the bridge assembly at a first end and extending down from the bridge assembly in a direction of the nuclear plant component; a moveable mast, telescopingly nested within the stationary mast and configured to extend from the stationary mast and retract within the stationary mast under the control of an operator; a mast shield canister, having an outer wall configured to reduce penetration therethrough of any radiation emitted by the nuclear plant component, and an axially extending central opening through which the moveable mast can extend, the mast shield canister having an upper end portion and a lower end portion, with a first stop on the upper end portion of the mast shield canister and/or on a lower end of the moveable mast, preventing the lower end of the moveable mast from withdrawing out of the upper end portion of the mast shield canister, and a second stop on either one or both of the stationary mast and the mast shield canister, that prevents the mast shield canister from moving more than a preselected distance from the stationary mast, the moveable mast is configured to supportingly carry the mast shield canister the preselected distance, and while the second stop prevents the canister from moving more than the preselected distance, the lower end of the moveable mast is axially moveable relative to the canister, the mast shield canister being sized to fit over substantially the full length of the nuclear plant component; and a gripper assembly supported at a lower end of the moveable mast and is configured to grip the nuclear plant component through the lower end portion of the mast shield canister.