Patent Number: 044329326
Section: summary

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION The invention relates generally to radiation shielding systems and more particularly to a modular type reactor head shielding system designed to be temporarily assembled around a reactor head such as during refueling operations. In nuclear power plants, the reactor heads are removed during refueling operations. The reactor head typically is situated in a concrete type well and is removed from the well during the refueling operation. During these operations it would be desirable to have the reactor head shielded so that workers are not exposed to radiation from the reactor head. Each worker typically is attired in radiation protective clothing; however, each reactor head typically is secured by a large number of stud bolts around the top of the reactor which must be removed resulting in exposure to the workers. Attempts to reduce this exposure have been made such as by hanging or placing lead shielding such as individual bags, around the reactor head. These non-integrated systems have several disadvantages including exposure between the single layer of bags, no system to secure the bags to the reactor head and possible damage to the reactor head by the jury rigged systems. It also is not desirable to hang the bags around the reactor head on a frame or other means since it would be preferable to move the shielding with the reactor head when it is removed to refuel the reactor. Further, the work space or well in which the reactor head is situated does not allow a large amount of clearance between the workers, the well wall and the reactor head. SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION The above and other disadvantages of prior art reactor head shielding techniques are overcome in accordance with the present invention by providing a modular reactor head shielding system which can be easily assembled around or on the reactor head to prevent exposure to the workers. The system is formed from a plurality of flexible pads which are shaped to interleave with one another when assembled around the reactor head. The pads are formed by inserting a pair of secured together quilted lead blankets in a pair of outer covers. The outer covers are secured to one another in offset relation to provide the interleave between pads. Each pad has a hanging plate on it which can be hung from a frame around the reactor head or from the reactor head itself.