Patent ID: 10460845

Abstract:
Seals are positioned between abutting nuclear reactor components. Example seals are held in position by gravity, grooves, retainers, direct joining, or other mating structures to seal the abutting components. Compression of example seals drives the seals against the joining components, preventing fluid passage therebetween. Example seals may include a cavity opening to a higher pressure fluid outside the joined components to drive expansion or sealing of the seal. Seals may have a C-shaped, E-shaped, O-ring, coiled, helical, or other cross-section to provide such a cavity. Example seals may be flexible materials compatible with radiation and heat encountered in a nuclear reactor. Seals may be continuous or sectional about the abutment of the components. An annular seal may extend continuously around a perimeter of removably joined core plates, supports, shrouds, and/or chimney heads and structures. Seals can be installed between and in the components at any time access is available to the components.