Invention Grant
- Patent Title: Alternating offset U-bend support arrangement
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Application No.: US16934479Application Date: 2020-07-21
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Publication No.: US10902960B2Publication Date: 2021-01-26
- Inventor: Kareem M. A. Aly
- Applicant: BWXT Canada Ltd.
- Applicant Address: CA Cambridge
- Assignee: BWXT Canada Ltd.
- Current Assignee: BWXT Canada Ltd.
- Current Assignee Address: CA Cambridge
- Agency: Blake, Cassels & Graydon LLP
- Agent Christopher N. Hunter; Laurie Wright
- Main IPC: G21C15/22
- IPC: G21C15/22 ; F22B37/20 ; F28D7/06 ; F28F9/013 ; G21D1/00 ; G21C15/14 ; G21C15/24 ; G21C15/243 ; F22B1/02

Abstract:
Arrangement for supporting U-bend tube sections in the high heat environment of steam generators using flat bars. The invention uses a combination of thicker and thinner flat bars to impart a serpentine path to the arc of the normally curvilinear U-tubes. The support system accommodates the dilation and contraction of coolant tubes and other elements caused by the extreme and varying conditions inside a steam generator, and which can cause gaps between coolant tubes and prior art tube support bars. Bars of alternating thickness provide alternating offsets to tensionally push and support each tube on multiple sides and in multiple locations, and this tension keeps the tubes in contact with at least some flat bars on multiple sides regardless of size and shape changes. Support arrangement includes a set of fan bars, each fan bar including thick and thin flat bars projecting up and out from a collector bar.
Public/Granted literature
- US20200350085A1 Alternating Offset U-Bend Support Arrangement Public/Granted day:2020-11-05
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