CHRISTOPHER WILLIAM STIRZEL
Engineers in North Huntingdon, PA
License number
Pennsylvania PE041954E
Category
Engineers
Type
Professional Engineer
Address
Address
North Huntingdon, PA 15642
Professional information
Steam Generator Lateral Support
US Patent:
5651334, Jul 29, 1997
Filed:
Mar 7, 1995
Appl. No.:
8/399806
Inventors:
Christopher W. Stirzel - Irwin PA
Thou-Han Liu - Murrysville PA
Thou-Han Liu - Murrysville PA
Assignee:
Westinghouse Electric Corporation - Pittsburgh PA
International Classification:
F22B 3720
US Classification:
122510
Abstract:
A steam generator originally having hydraulic snubbers damping lateral thermal movement of the steam generator is backfit to laterally support the steam generator without hydraulic damping. Hydraulic fluid is emptied from piston cylinders of all snubbers extending from a steam generator; and then stops are placed around piston rods extending into the piston cylinders of empty snubbers extending from the back side of the steam generator to stop the thermal growth of the steam generator in the operation of the nuclear reactor vessel to generate power. Thus, the costs associated with maintaining, inspecting and testing hydraulic snubbers are entirely eliminated. Also, the backside empty snubbers are used as bumpers and do not incur disposal costs.