Remote Nozzle Blocking Device of RCS Pipe during Mid-Loop Operation in Nuclear Power Plants

Currently most nuclear power plants(NPPs) are adopted the mid-loop operation to minimize the overhaul period and save the operating cost. For mid-loop operation it is essential to install nozzle dam between RCS pipe and steam generator(SG). Because SG remains more highly contaminated with radioactive material than any other parts of the NPPs, the repairmen are very reluctant to carry out installing nozzle dam inside the SG. Until now, unfortunately, it appears that no practically applicable device was developed to provide the longstanding demand. Also the accidents have been reported by licenser event report during this operation mode due to loss of residual heat removal(RHR). The purpose of this paper is to conduct remotely blocking and disintegration of nozzle of a SG which has the highest radiation exposure during the maintenance in NPPs. The remote nozzle blocking device of a SG includes three bladders, hubs, air controller provisions to supply and contact air pressure into the bladders. This remote nozzle block device will give the larger operation margin to prevent the loss of RHR and minimize the radiation exposure dose to the repairman and shorten the overhaul periods.