Method and apparatus for an expanding split bushing hole plug assembly

摘要

A method and apparatus for securely fastening a pipe collar or a bracket to a riser pipe (51) of a boiling water reactor (BWR) jet pump assembly (50). A pipe plug assembly (1) includes an angled pipe plug (14) that acts as a wedge to expand a bushing assembly (16) as the pipe plug (14) is drawn into the overall pipe plug assembly (1). Expansion of the bushing assembly (16) allows a tight tolerance to exist between an outer diameter of the pipe plug (14) and an inner diameter of the collar / bracket and riser pipe (51). Expansion of the bushing assembly (16) allows a straight hole to be match drilled into the collar / bracket and riser pipe (51), thereby avoiding a more complicated tapered hole to be drilled into the collar / bracket and riser pipe (51). An ensuing tight fit between the pipe plug assembly (1), the collar / bracket and the riser pipe (51) mitigates vibration of components and minimizes leakage to acceptable levels for use in the flooded environment of the annulus region where the jet pump assembly (50) exists in the BWR.