Abstract In an illustrative embodiment of the invention, a nuclear reactor pressure vessel, having an internal hoop from which the heated coolant emerges from the reactor core and passes through to the reactor outlet nozzles, is provided with annular sealing members operatively disposed between the outlet nozzle and the hoop and partly within a retaining annulus formed in the hoop. The sealing members are biased against the pressure vessel and the hoop and one of the sealing members is provided with a piston type pressure ring sealing member which effectively closes the path between the inlet and outlet coolants in the region about the outlet nozzle establishing a leak-proof condition. Furthermore, the flexible responsiveness of the seal assures that the seal will not structurally couple the hoop to the pressure vessel.
A reactor system comprising a pressure vessel having at least one inlet and one outlet nozzle, a distribution hoop located within the vessel, the hoop having an opening facing the outlet nozzle, an impervious means interposed between the vessel and the hoop to define a fluid flow channel extending from the opening to the outlet nozzle, said impervious means including a compression ring circumscribing the opening, the compression ring being formed with an annular recess, a spring seated in the recess, a seal ring slidably mounted on the compression ring, the spring urging the seal ring toward the vessel to maintain sealing contact therebetween, and means including at least one slidable pressure ring for precluding fluid leakage between the seal ring and said hoop.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
124 words
A reactor system comprising a pressure vessel having at least one inlet and one outlet nozzle, a distribution hoop located within the vessel, the hoop having an opening facing the outlet nozzle, an impervious means interposed between the vessel and the hoop to define a fluid flow channel extending from the opening to the outlet nozzle, said impervious means including a compression ring circumscribing the opening, the compression ring being formed with an annular recess, a spring seated in the recess, a seal ring slidably mounted on the compression ring, the spring urging the seal ring toward the vessel to maintain sealing contact therebetween, and means including at least one slidable pressure ring for precluding fluid leakage between the seal ring and said hoop.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
22 words
The reactor system according to claim 1 wherein the seal ring is formed with an annular groove for supporting said pressure ring.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
27 words
The reactory system according to claim 1 wherein the last named means includes a retaining member connected to the hoop and slidably engaged with said seal ring.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
22 words
The reactor system according to claim 3 wherein the retaining member is formed with an annular groove for supporting said pressure ring.