The patent badge is an abbreviated version of the USPTO patent document. The patent badge does contain a link to the full patent document.
The patent badge is an abbreviated version of the USPTO patent document. The patent badge covers the following: Patent number, Date patent was issued, Date patent was filed, Title of the patent, Applicant, Inventor, Assignee, Attorney firm, Primary examiner, Assistant examiner, CPCs, and Abstract. The patent badge does contain a link to the full patent document (in Adobe Acrobat format, aka pdf). To download or print any patent click here.
Patent No.:
Date of Patent:
Aug. 28, 2018
Filed:
Nov. 26, 2014
Areva Inc., Lynchburg, VA (US);
Gary R. Poling, Forest, VA (US);
Doug M. Lawrence, Rustburg, VA (US);
Bradley H. Graham, Lynchburg, VA (US);
David J. Peckham, Madison Heights, VA (US);
Framatome Inc., Lynchburg, VA (US);
Abstract
A sealing member is provided to create a sealed region about an annulus formed between an inner body, such as a thermal sleeve, and an outer body, such as a control rod drive housing nozzle. Liquid is introduced into the sealed region to create a flooded region, which is pressurized to a desired level. A nozzle is provided into the flooded region, the nozzle being configured to fit within the annulus. Pressurized fluid is ejected from the nozzle, causing the formation of cavitation bubbles. The nozzle flow causes the cavitation bubbles to settle on the surfaces forming the annulus. The collapsing impact of the cavitation bubbles imparts compressive stress in the materials of the surfaces forming the annulus.