Stud hole cleaning machines for the reactor pressure vessel
Based on customer service feedback, we have recognized the need to carefully maintain and inspect the stud hole threads of the reactor studs. This involves cleaning the stud hole threads of hardened grease so that the threads can be inspected and, if damaged, reworked to ensure that the reactor bolts can be screwed in safely and without problems.
You can choose between simplified cleaning devices and automated cleaning machines:
The simple version of the stud hole cleaning device works with a purely pneumatic brush module. The brush head is driven pneumatically and the lifting movement is carried out by a pneumatic cylinder. The device is placed on the reactor vessel flange by two people and operated on site. In addition to the cleaning device, a suction device must be connected during the cleaning process. The device is moved from one stud hole to another by hand. It is also possible to move the appliance using a rotary crane. The appropriate lifting points for transportation are provided on the cleaning device.
NIS has also developed a stud hole cleaning machine in a modular design in order to adapt the machine to the specific requirements of the customer. The stud hole cleaning machine is controlled and operated from a control panel at the edge of the reactor pit. The modules of the stud hole cleaning machine are built on a self-processing platform. The movement of the platform is automated with the aid of two walking units attached to the right and left of the platform. Moving and positioning on the reactor vessel is carried out in such a way as to ensure that the machine does not tip over during the process or cleaning.
The electrical cabinet with the control technology is mounted on the platform. The suction device with the HEPA filter is also mounted on the platform. The suction device is directly connected to the brush module so that the dust particles that occur during dry cleaning are extracted directly via the brush head.
The suction system prevents contaminated dust particles from entering the environment and being carried away. Depending on customer requirements, stainless steel or nylon brushes can be used.
Other options for stud hole cleaning include a thread inspection module (high-resolution camera) and a module for greasing the stud hole threads. The two modules are built on a separate platform so that the cleaning process of the stud holes is not disturbed by the inspection or grease module.