Patent ID: 6708651
Filing Date: 2004-03-23
Classification: F22B

Abstract:
In combination with a heated pressure vessel, an apparatus for supplying feedwater to the vessel, the feedwater being relatively cool as compared to the heated vessel, the vessel having at least one wall opening, a feedwater source, the feedwater source having at least one conduit, the apparatus being structured to moderate thermal gradients therein and in the vessel, and comprising:an inlet nozzle having an inlet end and an outlet end, and the inlet end being connected to the conduit; a cylindrically-shaped inner surface spanning the nozzle, the inner surface defining a bore; a thermal sleeve having an inlet portion and an outlet portion, the sleeve extending through the nozzle bore; a first weld fixedly connecting the sleeve inlet portion to the inlet end of the nozzle; a second weld fixedly connecting the sleeve outlet portion to the outlet end of the nozzle; a sparger disposed within the vessel and communicating with the sleeve outlet portion, the sparger having at least one outlet port to spray the feedwater into the vessel; and whereby the first and second welds provide a rigid two-point support for said thermal sleeve and sparger.