Patent ID: 7809098
Filing Date: 2010-10-05
Classification: G21C,Y02E

Abstract:
1. An integrated drive exchange assembly system for moving a control rod drive in a nuclear reactor, the reactor including a reactor pressure vessel, an under vessel area located below the reactor pressure vessel, and an equipment platform between the under vessel area and a basement, the system comprising: a tower forming a control rod drive receiving area comprising an open face and an open trough; a first and a second screw extending substantially the length of the tower, the first and the second screw mounted to opposite sides of the tower, wherein the first and the second screw sequentially operate when moving a control rod drive; an elevator platform movable relative to the first and the second screws, the platform configured to engage a portion of the control rod drive and to substantially support the control rod drive; wherein a rotation of the first screw causes the vertical movement of the elevator platform, and wherein a rotation of the second screw does not cause the vertical movement of the elevator platform; and wherein as the first screw rotates the elevator platform vertically moves between a top limit and a bottom limit; an extension carriage assembly movable relative to the first and the second screws, the extension carriage assembly configured to engage a portion of a control rod drive (CRD) adapter and to substantially support the control rod drive; wherein a rotation of the second screw causes the vertical movement of the extension carriage assembly, and wherein a rotation of the first screw does not cause the vertical movement of the extension carriage assembly and wherein as the second screw rotates the extension carriage vertically moves; and a trunnion cart engaged to the tower such that the tower is rotatable relative thereto; the trunnion cart comprising an automatic vertical lock for locking the tower in a vertical position; wherein the integrated drive exchange assembly system is operable for moving the CRD from the reactor pressure vessel and movable with the control rod drive such that the integrated drive exchange assembly system and the control rod drive are movable together out from the under vessel area.