Patent Number: 
Section: claims

1. A method of protecting a stud extending from a nuclear reactor pressure vessel (RPV) flange, comprising the steps of: removing a fastener nut and washer from a threadedly engaged stud extending from a RFV flange through a stud hole of a flange of a removable RPV head supported on the RPV flange;  placing a stud enclosure over the stud and into physical contact with the RPV flange while the RPV head is supported on the RPV, the stud enclosure having an internal portion;  fastening the stud enclosure to the stud; and  pressurizing the internal portion of the stud enclosure with a gas to above atmospheric pressure. 2. The method of  claim 1 , wherein the step of fastening the stud enclosure to the stud urges the stud enclosure into sealing contact with the RPV flange. claim 1 3. The method of  claim 1 , wherein the step of pressuring the internal portion of the stud enclosure with a gas comprises: pressurizing the stud enclosure with air. claim 1 4. The method of  claim 1 , wherein the step of pressurizing the internal portion of the stud enclosure with a gas comprises: pressurizing the stud enclosure to a pressure of 10 psi. claim 1 5. The method of  claim 1 , wherein the step of pressurizing the internal portion of the stud enclosure with a gas comprises: pressurizing the stud enclosure to a pressure of more than 10 psi. claim 1 6. The method of  claim 1 , wherein the stud has an upper end, the stud enclosure has a capped end and the step of fastening the stud enclosure to the stud comprises: fastening the capped end of the stud enclosure to the upper end of the stud. claim 1