Patent Number: 
Section: abstract

A seal apparatus for a jet pump slip joint in a boiling water nuclear reactor pressure vessel, in an exemplary embodiment, includes a split seal ring and a segmented diaphragm spring engaging the split seal ring at an inner circumference of the diaphragm spring. The diaphragm spring includes a plurality of latch assemblies spaced circumferentially around an outer circumference. A plurality of slots, spaced circumferentially around the inner circumference, extend from the inner circumference to the support portion. Each latch assembly includes a latch bolt extending through and threadendly engaging a corresponding latch bolt opening in the diaphragm spring. Each latch bolt includes a head and a plurality of ratchet teeth spaced around the periphery of the latch bolt head. A locking spring is positioned to engage the ratchet teeth of the latch bolt head. The latch assembly further includes a latch arm coupled to the latch bolt. The latch arm includes a slot sized to receive a diffuser guide ear.