Reactor vessel annealing system

A system for annealing a vessel (14) in situ by heating the vessel (14) to a defined temperature, composed of: an electrically operated heater assembly (10) insertable into the vessel (14) for heating the vessel (14) to the defined temperature; temperature monitoring components positioned relative to the heater assembly (10) for monitoring the temperature of the vessel (14); a controllable electric power supply unit (32-60) for supplying electric power required by the heater assembly (10); a control unit (80-86) for controlling the power supplied by the power supply unit (32-60); a first vehicle (2) containing the power supply unit (32-60); a second vehicle (4) containing the control unit (80-86); power conductors (18,22) connectable between the power supply unit (32-60) and the heater unit (10) for delivering the power supplied by the power supply unit (32-60) to the heater assembly (10); signal conductors (20,24) connectable between the temperature monitoring components and the control unit (80-86) for delivering temperature indicating signals from the temperature monitoring components to the control unit (80-86); and control conductors (8) connectable between the control unit (80-86) and the power supply unit (32-60) for delivering to the power supply unit (32-60) control signals for controlling the level of power supplied by the power supply unit (32-60) to the heater assembly (10).

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS 
The following applications disclose subject matter which is related to the 
present invention. Since none of these applications have as yet been 
assigned a serial number, they are identified by title, and the 
Westinghouse Electric Corporation Docket Number: 
MODULAR ANNEALING APATUS FOR IN SITU REACTOR VESSEL ANNEALING AND 
RELATED METHOD OF ASSEMBLY--368,454 
WATER FILLED TANKS FOR TEMPORARY SHIELDING OF REACTOR VESSEL INTERNALS AND 
METHOD OF ASSEMBLY--369,433 
COFFER DAM FOR TEMPORARY SHIELDING OF REACTOR VESSEL INTERNALS AND METHOD 
OF ASSEMBLY--368,635 
ANNEALING UNIT INSERTION AND REMOVAL SYSTEM--366,503 
HEATING EQUIPMENT INSTALLATION SYSTEM AND METHOD--366,495 
TEMPERATURE MONITORING DEVICE AND THERMOCOUPLE ASSEMBLY THEREFOR--368,459 
ELECTRIC RESISTANCE HEATER UNIT ASSEMBLY--368,432 
REACTOR VESSEL NOZZLE THERMAL BARRIER--368,738 
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
The present invention relates to a system for effecting annealing 
treatments, particularly for annealing embrittled reactor vessels. 
During the normal operation of a nuclear reactor, the reactor vessel, which 
is normally made of steel and which houses a core containing nuclear fuel, 
is exposed to intense radiation. Experience has shown that this radiation 
causes changes in the fine grain structure of the steel walls of the 
vessel. These structural changes make the walls brittle, a problem 
commonly referred to as reactor vessel embrittlement. Embrittlement 
reduces the flexibility of the vessel wall and increases the 
susceptibility of the vessel wall to fracturing, particularly if subjected 
to sudden stresses, such as due to operating transient events and 
pressurized thermal shock events. 
Because of this embrittlement phenomenon, the United States Nuclear 
Regulatory Commission requires that a reactor vessel be removed from 
service when embrittlement reaches a predetermined stage, thus ending the 
useful life of this portion of the nuclear power plant. Replacement of 
such a vessel is extremely expensive because the vessel is built into and 
is a part of the reactor containment building, thereby making replacement 
economically impractical. 
In order to deal with this problem, it has been proposed to subject such a 
vessel to annealing in place in order to restore the ductility and 
toughness of the metal constituting the reactor vessel. 
Since it is not feasible to remove a reactor vessel from the reactor 
installation and transport it to an annealing facility, a practical 
annealing system must be capable of treating the vessel in place. However, 
because such an annealing treatment would be required only once, or 
possibly a few times, during the useful life of a vessel, it is equally 
unfeasible to provide annealing equipment at each reactor location, given 
the complexity and high cost of such annealing equipment. Finally, the 
transport of equipment required to perform an annealing operation by 
conventional transport procedures, and subsequent set up of such equipment 
at a reactor location would add significantly, and perhaps prohibitively, 
to the total cost of an annealing operation. 
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
It is a primary object of the present invention to provide a novel 
annealing system which alleviates the above-discussed difficulties. 
A more specific object of the invention is to provide an annealing system 
which can be easily transported to any reactor location and which can be 
coupled to the reactor vessel and placed into operation in a minimum of 
time. 
A further specific object of the invention is to provide an annealing 
system in modular form with components which can be installed in 
semi-trailers and interconnected by cables at the work site. 
A still further object of the invention is to provide a system including 
semi-trailers which can be loaded and unloaded rapidly, or having the 
required load supporting capabilities. 
A further specific object of the invention is to provide a system including 
vehicle-mounting data processing equipment which is installed in a 
vibration isolating manner. 
Yet another object of the invention is to provide such a system with cable 
connecting devices which provide support for the cables at their 
connecting ends. 
The above and other objects are achieved according to the present 
invention, by a system for annealing a vessel in situ by heating the 
vessel to a defined temperature, comprising: electrically operated heater 
means insertable into the vessel for heating the vessel to the defined 
temperature; temperature monitoring means positioned relative to the 
heater means for monitoring the temperature of the vessel; controllable 
electric power supply means for supplying electric power required by the 
heater means; control means for controlling the power supplied by the 
power supply means; a first vehicle containing the power supply means; a 
second vehicle containing the control means; power conductor means 
connectable between the power supply means and the heater means for 
delivering the power supplied by the power supply means to the heater 
means; signal conductor means connectable between the temperature 
monitoring means and the control means for delivering temperature 
indicating signals from the temperature monitoring means to the control 
means; and control conductor means connectable between the control means 
and the power supply means for delivering to the power supply means 
control signals for controlling the level of power supplied by the power 
supply means to the heater means.

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS 
FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing the basic components of a reactor vessel 
annealing system according to the present invention. The system includes a 
power module 2 and a control module 4, each of which is housed, according 
to a feature of the invention, in a semi-trailer which is transported to 
the annealing site by a tractor. Power module 2 includes power input 
cables 6 which are arranged to be connected to the electric power utility 
at the reactor vessel site. Power module 2 is connected to control module 
4 by a series of cables 8 which are provided for the transmission of power 
for operation of the control module, communications signals, control 
signals, power measurement signals and monitoring and alarm signals. 
The annealing operation is performed by means of a heater unit assembly 10 
provided with a top plate 12 via which assembly 10 is support within a 
reactor pressure vessel 14 which is to be subjected to an annealing 
treatment. Assembly 10 may be transported to a job site in a container 
similar to that disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 4,714,228 and in a copending, 
commonly owned application entitled HEATER UNIT ASSEMBLY SHIPPING 
CONTAINER, bearing Westinghouse docket no. 53610. 
Heater unit assembly 10 carries, on its exterior surface, an array of 
resistance heater units and associated thermocouples for monitoring the 
temperature of vessel 14. Top plate 12 carries a support structure 16 
which provides support and guidance for power cables 18 and thermocouple 
leads 20. Power cables 18 are connected to power module 2 via power 
junction boxes 22. Thermocouple leads 20 are connected to control module 4 
via thermocouple couple reference junction boxes 24. Junction boxes 24 are 
additionally connected to reference units 26 which provide a temperature 
reference for the thermocouples and may be constituted, for example, by an 
ice bath. 
In the operation of the system, power is supplied to heater unit assembly 
10 from power module 2 and the temperature at each zone of vessel 14 is 
monitored, with the resulting temperature readings being supplied to 
control module 4. Computer systems within control module 4 process the 
temperature readings and supply, via cables 8, control signals for 
controlling the power supplied to the resistance heater units in a manner 
to maintain a uniform wall temperature throughout vessel 14 and to cause 
that temperature to vary according to a selected program. 
Power junction boxes 22 may be composed of four enclosures housing 
transition terminals from high temperature power leads to conventional 
leads. In addition, power junction boxes 22 provide a convenient location 
for connecting back-up heaters or back-up SCR components. 
Thermocouple reference junction boxes 24 are provided to minimize the 
amount of thermocouple extension wire needed by providing a transition to 
copper wire while monitoring the ambient temperature within the boxes and 
making appropriate compensations. In an operative embodiment of a system 
according to the invention, five junction box enclosures are provided, 
each enclosure containing eight uniform temperature reference assemblies, 
263 three-pole thermocouple jacks and 16 resistance temperature detector 
probes. The thermocouple leads coming from the heater units of assembly 10 
enter junction boxes 24 and plug into the thermocouple jacks provided 
therein. Copper lead wire extends from each jack to control module 4, via 
multiconductor cables. 
Heater unit assembly 10 may be constructed in various ways, as described in 
the above-referenced applications bearing the Ser. Nos. 368,432 and 
368,454 and may be introduced into vessel 14 in the manner described in 
the above-referenced application bearing the Ser. No. 366,503. 
Before introduction of assembly 10, all nozzles in the wall of vessel 14 
should be blocked. This can be done in the manner described in the 
above-referenced application bearing the Ser. No. 368,738. These thermal 
barriers minimize heat transfer through the vessel nozzles during an 
annealing procedure, and permit a more uniform heating of vessel 14. 
The system illustrated in FIG. 1 is further provided with an air evacuation 
assembly whose primary function is to maintain the pressure within vessel 
14 at a prescribed level below atmospheric to assure that any air leakage 
is inward of vessel 14 and thereby prevent the uncontrolled escape of 
radioactive material. An embodiment of the air evacuation assembly will be 
described below. 
A heating operation utilizing the system shown in FIG. 1 as carried out in 
the following manner. Firstly, with vessel 14 filled with water, all 
internals are removed and safely stored, using techniques as described in 
the above-referenced applications bearing the Ser. Nos. 366,503; 369,433; 
and 368,635. 
Heater unit assembly 10 is then installed in vessel 14 and all water is 
drained out of vessel 14. Then, the heater units of assembly 10 are 
connected to power junction boxes 22 and the thermocouples associated with 
assembly 10 are connected to thermocouple reference junction boxes 24. 
After initiating the control computer program, heat evolution begins. Each 
heater unit is supplied with power independently from a respective SCR 
device in power module 2, controlled by analog signals from the control 
computer system in module 4. The computer systems in module 4 continuously 
receive temperature and power information, while constantly checking all 
system constraint parameters. Reactor vessel 14 is maintained at an 
assigned temperature for a designated period of time, after which a 
controlled cool-down operation is performed. When ambient temperature has 
been reached, all connections to heater unit assembly 10 are removed, and 
heater unit assembly 10 and the thermal barriers are removed. 
One preferred embodiment of power module 2 is illustrated in FIG. 2, which 
is a plan view of a semi-trailer carrying the power module components, 
with the top of the semi-trailer removed. 
The rear wall of the semi-trailer is provided with a primary power input 
panel 32 via which connections are made to the local electric power 
utility network. Near the rear end of the semi-trailer, along the curb 
side thereof, there is provided a back-up power input panel 34, which may 
be connected to a back-up power source such as a diesel generator. Within 
the semi-trailer, at the rear end thereof, there is disposed a power 
distribution unit 36 composed of main power circuit breakers and stepdown 
transformers. The power distribution unit is connected to distribute 
incoming power via branch circuit breakers to all electrical equipment 
within the power module and the control module, and thus to heater unit 
assembly 10. 
In front of unit 36, and along the curb side of the semi-trailer, there is 
provided a fire detection device 38. Forward of fire detection device 38 
and unit 36, and along each side of the semi-trailer, there are disposed 
eight power conditioners 40 which are connected to unit 36 by suitable 
cables, each power conditioner 40 receiving single-phase power from unit 
36 and converting it into an output having a variable voltage. Each power 
conditioner must be armed locally within power module 2, but can only be 
energized by an operator in control module 4 by signals supplied via 
cables 8. 
By way of example, unit 8 may receive three-phase input power at 480 VAC 
and 2000 A. Each phase is supplied to a respective pair of conditioners 40 
which derive a variable output voltage of 96-200 VAC at a maximum current 
of 1050 A. Six of the conditioners 40 are active units, while the other 
two are on-line spares. 
Ahead of conditioners 40 there are disposed six SCR power controller units 
42 each containing, for example, 16 individual SCR single-phase AC power 
controllers. Each controller provides the power required by from 1-96 
heater units. Demand signals provided by the computer systems in control 
module 4 control the operation of each controller. Each controller unit 42 
is connected to a respective output connector panel 44. 
Forward of the controller units 42 on the left-hand, or road, side of the 
semi-trailer, there is provided a terminal board connector enclosure 46 
which is connected to a signal connector panel 48. The signals between the 
control module 4 and power module 2 are transmitted via multiconductor 
signal cables that connect to the signal connector panel 48 on the power 
module 2. These signals include: power signals from the control module 4 
to the SCRs in the power module, power signals from the heaters from the 
power module to the control module, power conditioner parameters, etc. 
Wires from the signal connector panel 48 are joined in the terminal board 
connector enclosure 46 and connected to appropriate equipment in the power 
module 2. Forward of the controller units 42 on the right-hand, or curb, 
side of the semi-trailer, there is installed a battery back-up system 50, 
and adjacent system 50 the semi-trailer wall is provided with battery 
vents and connector panels 52. Battery back-up system 50 may be composed, 
for example, of 20 12-volt maintenance-free batteries and provides 
emergency power to the computers in control module 4 in the event of a 
complete AC power failure. 
In front of units 46 and 50, there are disposed two uninterruptible power 
supplies 54 and 56 which may, for example, supply 7.5 KVA and 5 KVA, 
respectively, which are the primary source of operating power for the 
computer systems installed in control module 4. 
Forward of power supply 54, there is provided a static line conditioner 
system 58 which contains circuit breakers, and is connected to a connector 
panel 60. System 58 is connected to provide high speed voltage regulation 
and common mode noise attenuation for the operating power supplied to the 
computer systems in control module 4 in the event that the primary power 
system fails, so that operating power is supplied to power supplies 54 and 
56 from the back-up power source. At the forward end of module 2 there is 
provided a heating, ventilating and air conditioning system 62 which is 
selected to supply air to the interior of module 2 at a temperature of 
75.degree. and 50% relative humidity when the ambient air temperature is 
100.degree.. 
All of the power components described thus far can be constructed according 
to principles known in the art and are connected together so that power 
for operating the heater units is provided from connector panels 44 and 
power for control module 4 is supplied via panels 52 and 60. 
In addition, panels 32 and 34 are provided with stepdown transformers which 
supply 120/240 VAC for lighting and convenience receptacles within module 
2. 
The side walls of the semi-trailer are provided with a plurality of doors, 
including a main entrance door 66, a fire exit door 68 and equipment 
access doors 70. Finally, the semi-trailer is provided, at its bottom, 
with conventional jack stands (not shown) for supporting the semi-trailer 
after it is uncoupled from the tractor. 
Thus, power module 2 is a self-contained electric power distribution system 
packaged in an over-the-road, environmentally controlled semi-trailer with 
an air-ride suspension. Because of the weight of the equipment installed 
in module 2, the semi-trailer is provided with triple tandem axles and a 
strengthened undercarriage support structure. The mounting of panels 44 on 
the walls of the semi-trailer allow for convenient connection of the 
heater unit power leads to module 2. 
Power module 2 is further provided with a sound powered telephone system 
enabling voice communication with control module 4. 
FIG. 3 provides a view similar to that of FIG. 2 of the layout of control 
module 4, which is also installed in a semi-trailer similar to that 
employed for power module 2. The semi-trailer which forms the housing for 
control module 4 has a dual tandem axle equipped with an air-ride 
suspension. At the interior, it is provided with a computer grade raised 
floor extending the length of the semi-trailer. Equipment which is 
provided in the semi-trailer, and which is not illustrated, includes a 
fire detection system responsive to smoke and excessive heat, including 
strategically located smoke/heat detectors. A battery backup is provided 
for the computer equipment in the event of failure of primary power 
sources. 
Control module 4 is divided into three basic areas: a signal processor area 
80; a control data acquisition station 82; and a data reduction and 
evaluation station 84. The forward end of the semi-trailer is equipped 
with a heating, ventilating and air conditioning system 86 having a 
capacity to maintain suitable temperature and relative humidity conditions 
for the installed computer equipment at ambient temperatures of between 
-20.degree. and +100.degree. F. 
Signal processor area 80 is composed of signal processing equipment 90 
housed in five cabinets installed at the rear of the semi-trailer, and 
located along the center line thereof. The signal processing equipment 
includes devices for conditioning and digitizing incoming signals 
indicative of the temperatures being monitored and the power being 
supplied to the heater units, and devices for providing output signals to 
power controller units 42 of power module 2. The signal processing unit 
employed is capable of processing approximately 1600 signals at a time. 
Area 80 further includes exterior connector panels 92 along each side of 
the semi-trailer and interior patch panels 94, disposed along each side at 
the inside of the semi-trailer. Each connector panel 92 is connected, by a 
plurality of connectors, to a respective patch panel 94. 
Each exterior connector panel 92 is provided with two exterior covers. One 
cover is used during transit to protect the various connector components, 
while the other cover is used when cables are connected to the connector 
panel during operation of the system. Both covers protect the connector 
components from the elements, and the cover used during operation of the 
system also provides strain relief for the cables connected thereto. Such 
a covering system can also be provided for the connector panels of power 
module 2. One embodiment of such a cover system will be described in 
greater detail below. 
Interior patch panels 94 allow for the convenient and rapid switching of 
signals between the control and data computer systems. They also provide a 
high density signal interface area for input and output signals. A patch 
panel 94 is composed of a receiver, a plug board and patchcords. The 
receiver is composed of a frame, a contact block and a locking mechanism 
which accepts a removable plug board. Input and output wires are connected 
at the back of the receiver contact block. The plug board is inserted at 
the front of the receiver and mates with contacts provided in the 
receiver. Patchcords are inserted at the front of the plug board and may 
contact with respective receiver contacts. Connection changes between 
input and output leads can be made by re-patching individual patchcords or 
by removing the entire plug board and replacing it with a different plug 
board which is pre-wired with a different wiring configuration. 
By way of example, each patch panel 94 can be composed of a plurality of 
subpanels, with the panel 94 at the right-hand side of the semi-trailer 
providing approximately 8,000 connection points and the patch panel 94 at 
the left-hand side of the semi-trailer providing approximately 6,500 
connection points. Within the semi-trailer, the desired connections are 
made by connecting selected patchcords to appropriate connectors of signal 
processing equipment 90. 
Control data acquisition station 82 includes computer equipment which 
enables an operator to control and direct a vessel heat treatment process. 
This area is designed to that a single operator can control the entire 
process. Station 82 includes a control terminal 96 and a data acquisition 
terminal 98, each terminal being equipped with a floppy disc drive (not 
shown) and a CPU 100. Station 82 is further provided with printers 102 and 
tape decks 104. The disc drives and CPUs 100 are mounted on 
shock-absorbing units, which will be described in detail below. Station 82 
is completed by control panels and housings which contain switching gear 
necessary to allow the operator to assign any of the computer loads, which 
may be 24 in number, to any one of the three power sources described 
earlier with reference to FIG. 2. Digital displays are provided to enable 
the operator to monitor the voltage, current and power levels of each 
power source. Controls are provided to enable the operator to activate any 
one of the eight power conditioners 40 in power module 2. An alarm panel 
is provided which contains equipment to allow the operator to monitor 
critical functions in both semi-trailers, such as power supplies and 
safety systems. The panels are constructed to allow easy access by 
maintenance personnel. Extension dampers are installed for safety on each 
panel so that the heavy panels can be opened slowly. 
The data reduction and evaluation station 84, which is located in the 
forward part of the semi-trailer, houses a third computer system, which 
includes a terminal 108 having an associated floppy disc drive and a CPU 
110. This disc drive and CPU are also mounted on special shock-absorbing 
supports. The computer system in station 84 further includes a tape deck 
114 and a printer 116. In addition, desks 118 are provided as workstations 
for additional personnel. The computer system in station 84 is employed to 
evaluate the data collected by the computer systems in station 82. 
Control module 4 is further provided with necessary circuit breakers, 
connector panels and junction boxes. In addition, two communication 
systems are provided, the first being a commercial telephone system having 
two incoming lines, with a plurality of telephones being spaced around 
module 4, and the second communication system being a sound powered 
telephone system connected to that in module 2. 
Module 4 is completed by a main entrance door 120, an emergency exit door 
122 and a sliding door 124 located between area 80 and station 82. 
The computer system in data acquisition station 82 produces analog signals 
which control the SCR components in controller units 42. This computer 
system obtains thermocouple and heater unit power readings and, with the 
aid of a control algorithm, calculates the power required by each heater 
unit and predicts the vessel temperature which will result. The program 
recommends power settings to the operator and continually performs 
constraint checking. The computer system in station 84 obtains data from 
the computer system in station 82 and performs on-line extended functions 
not available on the other computer systems. 
One embodiment of a suitable air evacuation assembly for vessel 14 is 
illustrated in FIG. 4. This assembly includes an air extraction line 130 
communicating with the interior of pressure vessel 14. Air extraction line 
130 may extend into vessel 14 through support structure 16, top plate 12 
and an opening provided at the bottom of assembly 10, in which case a 
sealed connection would be provided in top plate 12 for passage of line 
130. 
The pressure and temperature in vessel 14 may be monitored by suitable 
detectors 132. Air extraction line 130 extends through a heat exchanger 
134, in which the air flowing through line 130 is cooled, by indirect heat 
exchange with water supplied by a water cooling system, in order to cool 
and condense any water vapor contained in the air extracted from vessel 
14. The resulting condensate is collected in a condensate collector tank 
136. 
The dry cooled air leaving heat exchanger 134 is conducted to through a 
flow meter 138 and a vacuum pump 140 to filters 142 which subject the air 
to filtration to capture any contaminated, and particularly radioactive, 
particles borne in the air. After filtration, the air is substantially 
free of any dangerous contamination, and can be exhausted to the 
atmosphere. 
The temperature and pressure of the cooled dried air leaving heat exchanger 
134 is preferably monitored by suitable gauges, as shown. In addition, in 
order to maintain defined pressure and air flow conditions at the inlet 
side of pump 140, an air inlet line 144 is connected between the ambient 
atmosphere and the inlet of pump 140. As further shown, suitable valves 
are provided to control air and water flows. 
As noted earlier herein, each of the floppy disc drives and CPUs installed 
in control module 4 are preferably mounted on specially designed shock 
mounts to eliminate the effects of any ground vibration occurring during 
operation of the system at a work site. While control module 4 is in 
transit, however, it is desired to lock out the shock mounts so that the 
suspension of the semi-trailer carrying module 4 will not interact with 
the shock mount systems. Each disc drive and each CPU is mounted on a 
plate which is supported at each of its four corners by a shock mounting 
device. 
An embodiment of one of the shock mounting devices according to the 
invention for a CPU is illustrated, partly in cross section, in FIG. 5, 
the device supporting one corner of a plate 150 to which a CPU (not shown) 
is secured. Each shock mounting device is supported on a base plate 152 
which is secured to a work surface in module 4. 
In the embodiment shown in FIG. 5, the shock mounting device is composed of 
a carbon steel tube 154 welded to base plate 152. Tube 154 may have a 
circular, square, or other cross section. 
The interior of tube 154 is lined with a plastic sheet 156, which may be 
made of PTFE, or a similar material. In the bottom portion of lined tube 
154 there is disposed a stack of cellular pads 158, each of which may have 
a thickness of the order of 5 mm. In the illustrated embodiment, nine such 
pads are provided. These pads may be made of a cellular silicon rubber 
material of a type sold under the trade name "FABCELL 25". The stack of 
pads 158 supports a stainless steel plate 160 upon which rests a stainless 
steel post 162 having an outwardly extending flange 164 approximately 
midway between its upper and lower ends. 
A plurality of annular discs 166, of the same composition and thickness as 
pads 158, forms a stack which rests upon plate 160 and surrounds the lower 
portion of post 162. A stainless steel disc 168 rests upon discs 166 and 
supports flange 164. 
The upper end of post 162 is provided, at its center, with a recess in 
which is housed a plastic disc 170 and a stainless steel disc 172 which 
rests upon disc 170. A bolt 174 extends through plate 150 and bears upon 
disc 172. 
Bolt 174 is threaded into a nut 176 which is welded to the underside of 
plate 150. Also welded to the underside of plate 150 is a tube 178 which 
surrounds post 162 in order to maintain post 162 centered with respect to 
bolt 174 and to maintain the desired orientation of post 162. 
Bolt 174 is adjustable in order to level plate 150. Once plate 150 has been 
leveled, bolt 174 will be locked in position by a further nut 180. 
The supporting device further includes a column 182 provided at its 
interior with a threaded, vertical bore. A threaded shank 184 engages in 
this bore and carries a nut 186 which supports a bronze washer 188. The 
vertical position of shank 184 in the threaded bore of column 182, and 
thus the vertical position of washer 188, can be adjusted by rotating 
shank 184 via a square head 190 provided at the top thereof. The purpose 
of shank 184 is to provide rigid support for plate 150, i.e., to disable 
the shock mounting, when the control module is in transit. 
The locking of plate 150 can be further achieved, if desired, by a clamp 
192 which clamps the edge of plate 150 to a support body 194 mounted 
within the control module semi-trailer. 
Similarly, each disc drive can be mounted on a support plate which is 
supported at each of its corners by a shock mount system of the type shown 
in FIG. 5. However, the shock mount structure for supporting a disc drive 
can be generally smaller, and have fewer cellular pad layers, than the 
shock mounts for each CPU. If appropriate, the tube 154 and column 182 of 
each shock mount device can be welded to the semi-trailer floor. Under 
certain circumstances, and particularly in the disc drive supports, units 
182-190 can be eliminated. 
According to a further feature of the invention, the cables via which 
signals are transmitted to and from control module 4 are connected to 
panels 92 (FIG. 3) in such a manner that the connections are protected 
against environmental influences and the cables at the outside of the 
module are supported by a simple but effective strain relief system. One 
exemplary embodiment of connector panel 92 is shown is FIGS. 6 and 7. 
The connector panel shown in FIG. 6 is mounted in an opening provided in 
the semi-trailer carrying module 4 and is supported by a channel member 
202 resting on semi-trailer floor 204 and a plurality of struts 206 bolted 
to a side wall of semi-trailer floor 204. The connector panel includes a 
rectangular frame 208 which extends between channel member 202 and 
semi-trailer side wall 210. 
Frame 208 supports a plurality of panel plates 212, one of which is shown 
in FIG. 6. Each panel plate 212 is provided with a plurality of 
multi-terminal connector elements 214 each configured to mate with a 
connector element 216 fastened to the end of a cable 218 which extends 
from the control module semi-trailer to either power module 2 or junctions 
boxes 24 (FIG. 1). Connector elements 214 and 216 may form a screw-type 
connection. 
At the exterior of the semi-trailer, the connector panel includes a 
horizontal support plate 220 which supports a closure base 222 and a panel 
cover 224 which covers the panel along its front and along both vertical 
sides, i.e., panel cover 224 includes a portion which is parallel to frame 
208 and two end portions which extend between the parallel portion and the 
side walls of the semi-trailer. 
Panel cover 224 includes, at its top, an upwardly extending lip 226 which 
engages between a support member 228 and a drip edge 230, both of which 
are secured to the semi-trailer wall. The lower edge of cover 224 rests 
upon support plate 220 and is secured thereto by a plurality of retaining 
pins 232. 
Closure base 222 rests upon plate 220 and is held in place by a rim at the 
inner edge of plate 220 and by cover 224. Plate 220 and base 222 are 
provided with openings for passage of cables 218. 
At the bottom of support plate 220, there are secured, by a plurality of 
machine screws, a plurality of cable blocks 234 each of which exerts a 
clamping action on one row of cables to provide the desired strain relief. 
One such cable block 234 is shown in bottom plan view in FIG. 7, from which 
it will be seen that each such block is composed of two parts 236 and 238 
each provided with recesses defining one-half of a plurality of cable 
passages. These recesses are dimensioned such that when block parts 236 
and 238 are mounted on the bottom of plate 220, they exert a clamping 
action on the associated cables 218. 
Returning to FIG. 6, the inboard side of support plate 220 is supported on 
a pedestal 240 which rests on channel member 202 and is retained in 
position by a plurality of retaining pins 242. 
The portion of panel cover 224 which is generally parallel to the 
semi-trailer wall is provided with a plurality of air flow passages 244, 
one such passage being provided, for example, at each corner of cover 224. 
Each air flow passage 244 is covered by a louver assembly 246 and, in the 
region enclosed by cover 224, by a filter device 248. The purpose of 
filter devices 248 is to permit a certain air flow within the region 
enclosed by cover 224 while blocking the introduction of contaminants 
which could adversely effect the connections provided between elements 214 
and 216. 
The entire cover assembly is to be removed when module 4 is in transit. To 
effect removal, all connector elements 216 are removed from their 
associated connector elements 214 and cable blocks 234 are removed from 
support plate 220. Then, cables 218, with their associated connector 
elements 216, can be withdrawn through the openings in plate 220 and base 
222. Thereafter, retaining pins 232 are extracted, so that panel cover 224 
can be removed. Then, closure base 222 is removed, after which struts 206 
are disconnected from semi-trailer floor 204 and retaining pins 242 are 
removed, so that plate 220 can be withdrawn. Struts 206 may remain 
connected to plate 220, or can be disconnected therefrom, the connection 
between plate 220 and struts 206 being effected by a plurality of machine 
screws or bolts. All removed parts can then be stored inside the 
semi-trailer. In addition, during transit, each connector element 214 can 
be provided with a protective cap, and the connector panel can be covered 
by a flat cover which conforms essentially to the semi-trailer wall. 
Since the performance of annealing treatments at different sites may 
require different power module and/or control module configurations, and 
it would not be economical to provide a plurality of semi-trailers each 
equipped with a different module configuration, it is desirable to be able 
to replace or rearrange module components in a speedy manner. In addition, 
particularly with regard to power module 2, the equipment to be housed in 
the associated semi-trailer is relatively heavy, so that the semi-trailer 
must have a substantial load supporting capability. 
Conventional semi-trailers generally have solid side walls which form rigid 
load-supporting structures with the semi-trailer floor and roof, and are 
provided with a single access door in the rear, and possibly one 
additional access door in one side wall. Of course, since all loading and 
unloading of such semi-trailers must be effected via these doors, such 
operations are relatively time consuming. In addition, if a semi-trailer 
is to be capable of supporting particularly heavy loads, it is common 
practice to construct the side walls so that they will, together with the 
floor and roof, form a structure having a high degree of rigidity, and to 
provide load supporting beams below the floor. 
According to a further aspect of the present invention, use is made of 
semi-trailers which can be loaded and unloaded at substantially any 
location along the sides and which do not require substantial longitudinal 
beams beneath the floor, other than in the region of the axles, and yet 
provide a substantial load-supporting capability. 
One embodiment of a semi-trailer according to the present invention is 
illustrated in FIG. 8 in the form of a triple-axle semi-trailer composed 
of a floor member 260, a roof member 262 and front and rear pylons 264. 
Each side of the semi-trailer is constituted by vertical hangers 268 which 
are connected to floor member 260 and roof member 262 to serve as tension 
members which transmit loads supported by floor member 260 to roof member 
262. Between hangers 268 there are installed removable panels 270 which 
will be in place when the semi-trailer is being transported. The other 
side of the semi-trailer is constructed in an identical manner. 
The semi-trailer is supported on the wheel axles by a selected number of 
longitudinal beams 272, each of which may be in the form of a channel and 
is confined to the region of the wheel axles. 
Each hanger 268 is easily removable to facilitate access to the interior of 
the semi-trailer. Normally, before any one hanger 268 is removed, 
temporary support for floor member 260 should be installed beneath the 
location of that hanger. 
Roof member 262 is supported by pylons 264, which can be constructed in 
accordance with usual engineering principles to provide the requisite load 
supporting capability. The pylons at the rear of the semi-trailer will be 
directly supported by the semi-trailer axles, while the pylons 264 at the 
forward end of the semi-trailer will be directly supported either by the 
tractor, during travel, or by a conventional stand which is normally 
provided when a semi-trailer is detached from its tractor. Roof member 
262, supported by pylons 264, in turn contributes substantially to 
supporting the semi-trailer load, as the result of the transmission of 
load forces from floor member 260 to roof member 262 via hangers 268. 
By employing the semi-trailer roof as a load-supporting member in this 
manner, convenient side loading of the semi-trailer becomes possible, 
without requiring the use of longitudinal beams below floor member 260, 
which would reduce the road clearance of the semi-trailer and would 
interfere with use of such a semi-trailer as a containerized shipping 
unit. 
For supporting extremely heavy loads, or if the semi-trailer is to be 
lifted, for example onto a railroad flatcar, there may be additionally 
provided diagonal structural members 274. Alternatively, or in addition, 
the structure can be reinforced by means of flexible cables (not shown) 
extending between the tops of a front and rear pylon 264 along each side 
of the semi-trailer. Each cable has a center portion which is located 
within floor member 260 and extends along a substantial portion of the 
length of the semi-trailer, and end portions which extend diagonally to 
fastening points on pylons 264. These cables are placed under tension in 
order to impart a compressive prestress to the semi-trailer structure. 
Diagonals 274 and the above-mentioned cables may be removed for loading 
and unloading of the semi-trailer. If the semi-trailer is to be lifted, 
lifting connections can be provided at the upper ends of the two hangers 
268 which are closest to the front and rear ends of the semi-trailer, 
these being the most advantageous lifting points. 
One preferred form of construction for floor member 260 and roof member 262 
of the semi-trailer is illustrated in a detail view in FIG. 9. In this 
embodiment, floor member 260 includes plate members forming a hollow box 
280 provided, across the width of the semi-trailer, with longitudinally 
extending, vertically oriented supporting plates 284. Further disposed 
within box 280 are transverse beams 288 in the form of C-channels. Each 
beam 288 extends across substantially the entire width of box 280, and 
plates 284 are interposed between longitudinally adjacent beams 288. In 
addition, along each side of box 280 there is provided a cable 290 which 
extends the length of the semi-trailer and is connected at each end to a 
fitting via which cable 290 is placed under tension, to thereby impart a 
compressive prestress to floor 260. Such a prestress increases the 
resistance of floor 260 to bending. 
Roof member 262 is constituted by two side supporting structures 300, each 
located along one side of the semi-trailer, with a canopy member 302 
extending over the length and width of the semi-trailer, between 
structures 300. Canopy member 302 need not provide any significant 
load-supporting capability, and its primary purpose is to enclose the top 
of the semi-trailer. 
Each structure 300 extends between, and is supported by, the pylons 264 
along the associated side of the semi-trailer and is composed of an inner 
vertical plate 304 terminating at the top in a horizontal portion, and an 
outer vertical plate 306. 
Between plates 304 and 306 there are connected upper and lower C-channel 
members 310 with two narrow channel members 312 being interposed between 
members 310. Structure 300 is completed by upper and lower horizontal 
plate members 314 which may be welded to the adjacent channel members 310, 
and to plates 304 and 306. 
Within the space enclosed by channel members 312, there is provided a cable 
316 which is fastened at the front and rear ends of the semi-trailer in 
the same manner as that described above with respect to cable 290. Here 
again, the prestress produced by cable 316 increases the bending 
resistance of structure 300. All of the components of structure 300 can be 
bolted, riveted, or welded together, as dictated by standard engineering 
practice. 
A hanger 268 is connected between structure 300 and floor member 260 by 
being pivotally mounted to structure 300 and bolted to floor member 260. 
Between the bottom of structure 300 and the upper surface of floor member 
260, hanger 268 is widened to provide channels 320 for receiving side 
closing panels. 
The upper end of hanger 260 is received in an opening provided in plate 306 
and the upper one of channel members 310, this opening being given a 
height sufficient to allow hanger 268 to be pivoted upwardly through an 
angle of 90.degree. after the bolts securing hanger 268 to floor member 
260 have been removed. Then, equipment can be installed in, or removed 
from, the portion of floor member 260 which is made accessible by this 
removal of hanger 268. 
The pivotal connection between hanger 268 and structure 300 can have any 
suitable form, one example of which is shown in FIG. 10 where the upper 
end of hanger 268 is provided with a tubular sleeve portion 324 which 
receives a solid shaft 326 that is supported by the upper one of channel 
members 310. Each end of shaft 326 may be welded to upper channel member 
310. Since channel members 312 and the lower one of channel members 310 
extend below the opening provided for receiving sleeve portion 324, the 
load supporting capability of structure 300 is not significantly impaired. 
According to an alternative form of construction, shaft 326 could be 
secured to a support within the upper channel member 310 at a height 
sufficient to permit the lower web of that channel member to extend along 
the entire length of the semi-trailer side while providing clearance for 
sleeve portion 324, i.e., so that sleeve portion 324 is located above that 
web. Then, it would only be necessary to provide an opening in the 
vertical web of the upper channel member 310 to receive sleeve portion 
324. 
A second embodiment of a semi-trailer according to the invention is shown 
in FIG. 11 and differs from the embodiment of FIG. 8 in that, in place of 
hangers 268 and panels 270, there is provided, along each side of the 
semi-trailer, a single door 330 which can be either a rigid member which 
is installed so as to be raised and lowered vertically or can be composed 
of a plurality of articulated segments which enable the door to be rolled 
up under the semi-trailer roof. In the latter arrangement, the interior of 
the semi-trailer would be provided, in the vicinity of the roof, with a 
suitable support structure for guiding door 330. Such a support structure 
could be composed of rollers over which the door is guided and a motor 
driven cable mechanism for raising and lowering the door. 
In either case, door 330 will be provided at the top and bottom with a 
plurality of locking members via which the door, when closed, is locked to 
the roof member and the floor member of the semi-trailer in order to 
enable the roof member to participate in supporting the loads on floor 
260. Arrangements for locking door 330 to each roof structure 300 and to 
floor member 260 are shown in FIGS. 12 and 13. 
FIG. 12 illustrates an embodiment of a locking mechanism associated with 
roof structure 300. Door 330 is provided, near its upper edge, and at the 
surface which faces inwardly of the semi-trailer, with a plurality of 
openings 334 each arranged to receive a bolt 338 which extends through 
plates 304 and 306 and the upper channel member 310. Bolt 338 is provided 
with a tooth portion to engage a gear 340 mounted on a shaft which extends 
the length of the semi-trailer. The outer end of bolt 338 is tapered to 
insure a secure engagement in opening 334. A plurality of openings 334 and 
bolts 338 are distributed along the length of structure 300, the number 
thereof being selected as a function of the load level to be supported. 
Each bolt 338 is associated with a respective gear 340. 
By rotation of gears 340, for example by means of an electric motor secured 
to the shaft which carries all of the gears, all of the bolts 338 can be 
extended to engage in openings 334 or retracted to permit raising of door 
330. 
A similar arrangement for the lower edge of door 330 is illustrated in FIG. 
13. Here, each bolt 342 is supported by a vertical plate 284 and the outer 
vertical edge of box 280 and is driven by a gear 344 carried by a shaft 
which extends along the length of the semi-trailer and carries further 
gears each cooperating with a respective bolt. The lower edge of door 330 
is provided with a plurality of openings 348 each of which is engaged by a 
respective bolt 342. Bolt 342 is tapered along its lower edge to assure 
secure engagement in the associated opening 348. Again, rotation of the 
shaft carrying gears 344 can move bolt 342 into the locking position shown 
in FIG. 13 or into a retracted position for permitting door 330 to be 
raised. 
One embodiment of a mechanism for raising and lowering door 330 is 
illustrated schematically in FIG. 14. One such mechanism is provided along 
each vertical edge of the door, i.e., adjacent each of pylons 264 (FIG. 
8). The mechanism is composed of a plurality of nested channel members 352 
telescoped vertically one within the other. Door 330 is provided at the 
lower end of each vertical edge with a horizontally projecting ear 356 
provided with a vertically extending threaded bore. Within this bore there 
is engaged a threaded shaft 360 which is supported on floor 260 by a 
suitable bearing 364. The lower end of shaft 360 carries a bevel gear 368 
engaging a bevel gear 370 carried by the shaft of an electric drive motor. 
Rotation of shaft 360, via gears 368 and 370, acts to raise and lower the 
door via ears 356. During raising, channel members 352 will move upwardly, 
each channel member being lifted by the channel member which it encloses. 
Thus, in a simple manner, a door can be guided during opening and closing 
movements. 
While the description above refers to particular embodiments of the present 
invention, it will be understood that many modifications may be made 
without departing from the spirit thereof. The accompanying claims are 
intended to cover such modifications as would fall within the true scope 
and spirit of the present invention. 
The presently disclosed embodiments are therefore to be considered in all 
respects as illustrative and not restrictive, the scope of the invention 
being indicated by the appended claims, rather than the foregoing 
description, and all changes which come within the meaning and range of 
equivalency of the claims are therefore intended to be embraced therein.