Combustion Engineering, Inc.

Electric Power Research Institute Incorporated

James W Hales

David Wayne Gandy

William Frederick Newell, Jr

Gregory J Frederick

Ramaswamy Viswanathan

Kent Coleman

Dennis E Savor

Jan H Sodergren

James Franklin Turner

Roger Allen Swain

Richard M Tilley

This invention relates to a method and apparatus for controlling the composition of a weld. More particularly it relates to welding using an electric circuit, thereby creating a weld puddle, and adding at least one filler that is electrically independent from the electric circuit to the weld puddle at a controllable rate to obtain a target weld composition. The filler can be added to the extent limited by practical weld puddle geometry and, thus, the method and apparatus also facilitate increased weld deposition rates.

Controlled composition welding method

A method, an apparatus ( ), and a prefabricated replacement tube ( ) are provided for repairing a defect ( ) in a tube ( ), such as in a waterwall ( ). In the method, a replacement tube ( ) is prefabricated having a wall ( ), a central opening ( ) extending through a portion thereof, and a predetermined length. A length of the tube ( ), including the defect ( ), equal to the predetermined length is removed. The replacement tube ( ) is positioned between stubs ( ) of the tube ( ), and a rotatable torch ( ) of an automated welding apparatus ( ) inserted through the opening ( ) to align with a joint between an end ( ) of the replacement tube and a stub ( ). The torch ( ) is rotated to join it to the stub ( ) along the entire joint. The torch ( ) is then removed, turned 180 degrees, and reinserted to weld the remaining joint. Optionally, the replacement tube ( ) is held in position before welding by slip rings ( ) which are slid down to cover the joints.

Method and apparatus and prefabricated replacement tube for localized waterwall repair

A method and apparatus for dynamically testing a rotational torque producing device (22) during calibration under conditions simulating actual operating conditions. The torque produced by the torque producing device under controlled (28) load conditions similar to actual operating conditions is converted by a transducer (12) to an electrical signal and monitored (26) to assure that the stall torque of torque producing device (22) is within an acceptable band.

Dynamic torque monitoring device

Apparatus as provided for plugging a tube end in such a manner that the plug can be later removed. The apparatus includes a hollow plug (10) closed at the end (12) inserted into the tube (20) and open at its other end. The plug has a band (18) of ductile metal (gold, silver, or pure iron) on its outer surface which is extruded into any crevices caused by irregularities in the inner wall surface of the tube when the plug is mechanically expanded into the tube. The plug has a portion near its outer end of slightly enlarged diameter (14) to provide a light interference fit with the tube to hold the plug in place prior to and during the expanding step.

Mechanical tube plub

A stepped platform is arranged to traverse the down-facing tubesheet of a nuclear steam generator with a rotating, circular work table attached to the platform to position a plurality of tools, in sequence, at a common area of the tubesheet for required work.

Growing community of inventors

Harrison, TN, United States of America

James W Hales