MICHELLE MARIE CARNICELLI
Engineers in Seven Fields, PA
License number
Pennsylvania PE073818
Category
Engineers
Type
Professional Engineer
Address
Address
Seven Fields, PA 16046
Professional information
Reactor Head Seismic Support Tie Rod System
US Patent:
2012001, Jan 19, 2012
Filed:
Jul 13, 2010
Appl. No.:
12/834963
Inventors:
Courtney B. Frank - Butler PA, US
Michael D. Conrad - Blairsville PA, US
Jeffrey C. Himler - Greensburg PA, US
Daniel J. Erdman - West Middlesex PA, US
Michelle Heinz Carnicelli - Mars PA, US
Michael D. Conrad - Blairsville PA, US
Jeffrey C. Himler - Greensburg PA, US
Daniel J. Erdman - West Middlesex PA, US
Michelle Heinz Carnicelli - Mars PA, US
Assignee:
Westinghouse Electric Company LLC - Cranberry Township PA
International Classification:
G21C 19/00, G21C 9/00
US Classification:
376260, 376285, 976DIG139, 976DIG244
Abstract:
A quick disconnect for a control rod drive mechanism seismic support tie rod system that is remotely operable from a nuclear power plant's operating deck. A wall mounted anchor in the reactor cavity contains one half of a disconnect coupling that interfaces with the other half of the disconnect coupling on the ends of the tie rods employing a remote winching system that is actuated from the top of the reactor head assembly. A latching mechanism is then actuated from the refueling cavity operating deck to lock the tie rod in place and prevent displacement during a seismic or pipe break event. The tie rod may similarly be unlocked from the wall anchor and raised above the reactor head assembly as part of a reactor head disassembly operation to gain access to the core of the reactor vessel for refueling.