Resiliently loaded lateral supports for cantilever-mounted rod guides of

Abstract

A pressurized water reactor of an advanced design comprises, in vertically spaced relationship, a lower barrel assembly having lower and upper core plates, an inner barrel assembly and an axially removable calandria assembly having a lower calandria plate. A plurality of rod guides are cantilever-mounted in parallel axial relationship within the inner barrel assembly and, specifically, are rigidly mounted at the lower ends thereof to the upper core plate. Axially extending sleeves are affixed to the upper ends of the rod guides and telescopingly receive therein generally cylindrical supports which are affixed to and depend downwardly from the lower calandria plate and define alignment axes for the respectively associated rod guides. Links are secured at first ends to the mount and extend radially therefrom at angularly displaced positions, second, free ends of the links being free to move in pivotal rotation from a normal, downward and radially inward position to an upward and radially outward position, when engaged by receiving means formed in the upper ends of the sleeves as the calandria assembly is moved into assembled relationship with the inner barrel assembly. In the assembled relationship, the links, moved fully to the upward and radially outward positions, produce resilient, lateral loading between the respective sleeves and cylindrical mounts and maintain alignment of the associated sleeves and rod guides with the respective alignment axes.