Apparatus and method for replacing internal components in a nuclear reactor

摘要

An apparatus and method are provided for replacing the existing lower internal components in a nuclear reactor vessel with new components. The alignment of the new lower internals to the pressure vessel and the existing upper internals is achieved by customizing the new lower internals on-site based on alignment measurements obtained by gages installed on the new core barrel and the existing upper core plate. The gages allow the custom machining of radial support keys on the lower portion of the new core barrel and the custom drilling of upper core plate alignment pin holes in the new core barrel.