Swinging support for nuclear power plant pressurizer valves

Abstract

A support system is provided for a pressurizer relief and safety valve system in a nuclear power plant. The pressurizer has a generally cylindrical vessel wall topped with a dome-like member. The valve system includes a manifold generally located above and extending about the periphery of the vessel wall of the pressurizer. The valve support system comprises a plurality of paired lug members that extend outwardly from and are secured to the vessel wall at points spaced around the wall periphery. V-shaped columnar supports extend vertically upward from each of the lug pairs to the valve system manifold. A structural pin extends in the horizontal direction to support a base portion of each of the columnar supports relative to the associated lug pair. Disengageable locking clamps secure the pin to the lugs. A pair of diagonal columns extend upwardly in a V-shape from the support base portion to the manifold. A crossbar connects the diagonal columns at the top of each columnar support. Three collars units are secured to and project downwardly from the manifold for securance of the manifold to the crossbars of the columnar supports. When the pin locking clamps are disengaged to enable pin removal, the associated columnar support can be pivoted about its upper crossbar and swung outwardly from the vessel.