Patent ID: 6467814
Filing Date: 2002-10-22
Classification: F16L,G21C,Y02E

Abstract:
Apparatus for connecting a pipe system to an opening in a vessel in a nuclear reactor, said opening including an internal mating surface, comprising:a. a fitting adapted for installation on the vessel, said vessel fitting having a first side, a second side, and a passage extending therethrough, said first side and said second side dimensioned to fit within the vessel opening; b. said first side adapted to sealably engage the vessel adjacent the opening; c. said second side adapted to sealably engage the pipe system and position said passage in fluid communication with the pipe system; and d. a plurality of resilient beams arranged to extend into the opening and position said passage in at least partial alignment with the opening, each said beam comprising a proximate end adjacent said passage and extending away from said first side to a distal end, and a lock member adapted to lockably engage the vessel when said vessel fitting is installed on the vessel; whereby, when the vessel fitting is in an installed condition on the vessel, said first side forms a substantially leakproof seal with the internal mating surface of the vessel opening, said lock member retains the vessel fitting on the vessel, and the said system is in fluid communication with the opening.