Core barrel plug

Abstract

A plug for plugging a hole in a wall of a core barrel of a nuclear reactor, the plug comprising a body defining a plug portion, a clamping bar rotatably connected to the body and spaced apart from the plug portion, and a screw rotatable relative to the body and operably engaged with the clamping bar is disclosed. The screw is rotatable in a first direction to rotate the clamping bar from an insertion configuration to a clamping configuration. In the insertion configuration the clamping bar and the plug portion are aligned with each other and with the hole. In the clamping configuration, the clamping bar abuts one or more than one portion of the body to restrict rotation of the clamping bar in the first direction such that rotation of the screw in the first direction translates the clamping bar.

Description

CORE BARREL PLUGCROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

[0001] This application claims the benefit of and priority under 35 U.S.C. § 119(e) to U.S. Provisional Application Serial No. 63 / 599,505 filed November 15, 2023, entitled “CORE BARREL PLUG,” the contents of which is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety herein.FIELD

[0002] The present disclosure is generally related to nuclear power and, more particularly, is directed toward a plug for plugging a crack arresting hole in a core barrel of a nuclear reactor.SUMMARY

[0003] The following summary is provided to facilitate an understanding of some of the innovative features unique to the aspects disclosed herein, and is not intended to be a full description. A full appreciation of the various aspects can be gained by taking the entire specification, claims, and abstract as a whole.

[0004] In various aspects, a plug for plugging a hole in a wall of a core barrel of a nuclear reactor, the hole defining a first profile, the plug comprising a body, a clamping bar, and a screw is disclosed. The body defining an outer plate, an inner plate, a plug portion, and at least two extension tangs. The plug portion defining a second profile. The plug portion extending from the outer plate. The plug portion is positionable within the hole of the core barrel. The least two extension tangs positioned intermediate the plug portion and the inner plate. The clamping bar comprises a threaded opening. The clamping bar defining a third profile. The clamping bar is rotatable relative to the body and positioned intermediate the plug portion and the inner plate. The screw is rotatable relative to the body and threadably engaged with the threaded opening of the clamping bar. The screw is rotatable in a first direction to rotate the clamping bar from an insertion configuration to a clamping configuration. In the insertion configuration, the second profile and the third profile are aligned with each other and with the first profile such that the plug portion and the clamping bar fit within the first profile to install the clamping bar through the hole and to position the plug portion at least partially within the hole. In the clamping configuration, the clamping bar abuts the extension tangs restricting rotation of the clamping bar in the first direction such that rotation of the screw in the first direction translates the clamping bar toward the outer plate of the body to clamp the wall of the core barrel between the outer plate and the clamping bar to attach the plug to the wall of the core barrel.

[0005] In various aspects, a plug for plugging a hole in a wall of a core barrel of a nuclear reactor, the plug comprising a body defining a plug portion, a clamping bar rotatably connected to the body and spaced apart from the plug portion, and a screw rotatable relative to the body and operably engaged with the clamping bar is disclosed. The screw is rotatable in a first direction to rotate the clamping bar from an insertion configuration to a clamping configuration. In the insertion configuration the clamping bar and the plug portion are aligned with each other and with the hole such that the plug portion and the clamping bar fit within the hole to install the clamping bar through the hole and to position the plug portion at least partially within the hole. In the clamping configuration, the clamping bar abuts one or more than one portion of the body to restrict rotation of the clamping bar in the first direction such that rotation of the screw in the first direction translates the clamping bar toward the wall of the core barrel to clamp the wall of the core barrel between the body and the clamping bar to attach the plug to the wall of the core barrel.

[0006] In various aspects, a method of plugging a crack arresting hole defined in a wall of a core barrel of a nuclear reactor is disclosed. The method comprises positioning a clamping bar of a plug relative to a body of the plug such that the clamping bar is in an insertion configuration. In the insertion configuration, the clamping bar is aligned with a plug portion defined by the body, and the clamping bar and the plug portion of the body are configured to fit within a first profile defined by the hole in the core barrel. The method comprises moving the plug toward the wall of the core barrel to position the clamping bar of the plug through the crack arresting hole and to position the plug portion at least partially within the crack arresting hole. The method comprises rotating the clamping bar in a first direction relative to the body to transition the clamping bar from the insertion configuration to a clamping configuration. In the clamping configuration, the clamping bar is oriented transverse to the plug portion. The method comprises translating the clamping bar toward the wall of the core barrel to clamp the wall of the core barrel between the clamping bar and an outer plate defined by the body of the plug.BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0007] Various features of the aspects described herein are set forth with particularity in the appended claims. The various aspects, however, both as to organization and methods of operation, together with advantages thereof, may be understood in accordance with the following description taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings as follows:

[0008] FIG. 1 is a cross section view of a core barrel and a reactor vessel of a nuclear reactor, illustrating a crack arresting hole defined through the core barrel;

[0009] FIG. 1 A is an elevation view of the crack arresting hole of FIG. 1 defined through the core barrel, illustrating a profile of the crack arresting hole;

[0010] FIG. 2 is a perspective view of a plug to plug the crack arresting hole of FIG. 1 , illustrating the plug in an insertion configuration;

[0011] FIG. 3 is an elevation view of the plug of FIG. 2 in the insertion configuration;

[0012] FIG. 4 is a cross section view of the plug of FIG. 2 taken along line 4-4 in FIG. 3;

[0013] FIG. 5 is a perspective view of the plug of FIG. 2 in a clamping configuration;

[0014] FIG. 6 is an elevation view of the plug of FIG. 2 in the clamping configuration;

[0015] FIG. 7 is a cross section view of the plug of FIG. 2 taken along line 7-7 in FIG. 6, the plug being in the clamping configuration;

[0016] FIG. 8 is another perspective view of the plug of FIG. 2 in the clamping configuration;

[0017] FIG. 9 is a cross section view of the plug of FIG. 2, illustrating the plug clamped to the core barrel of FIG. 1 with a plug portion of the plug positioned within the crack arresting hole of FIG. 1 ;

[0018] FIG. 10 is a perspective view of another plug to plug the crack arresting hole ofFIG. 1, illustrating the plug in an insertion configuration;

[0019] FIG. 11 is an elevation view of the plug of FIG. 10 in the insertion configuration;

[0020] FIG. 12 is a cross section view of the plug of FIG. 10 taken along line 12-12 in FIG. 11;

[0021] FIG. 12A is an enlarged view of the cross section of FIG. 12;

[0022] FIG. 13 is a plan view of the plug of FIG. 10 in the insertion configuration;

[0023] FIG. 14 is a perspective view of a clamping bar of the plug of FIG. 10;

[0024] FIG. 15 is a plan view of the clamping bar of FIG. 14;

[0025] FIG. 16 is another perspective view of the plug of FIG. 10 in the insertion configuration;

[0026] FIG. 17 is a bottom view of the plug of FIG. 10 in the insertion configuration with a pair of pins of the plug removed to illustrate the position of a pair of fins of the clamping bar in the insertion configuration;

[0027] FIG. 18 is a perspective view of the plug of FIG. 10 in a clamping configuration;

[0028] FIG. 19 is an elevation view of the plug of FIG. 10 in the clamping configuration;

[0029] FIG. 20 is a cross section view of the plug of FIG. 10 taken along line 20-20 in FIG. 19, the plug being in the clamping configuration;

[0030] FIG. 21 is another perspective view of the plug of FIG. 10 in the clamping configuration;

[0031] FIG. 22 is a cross section view of the plug of FIG. 10, illustrating the plug clamped to the core barrel of FIG. 1 with a plug portion of the plug positioned within the crack arresting hole of FIG. 1; and

[0032] FIG. 23 is a flowchart of a method of plugging hole, such as a crack arresting hole defined in a wall of a core barrel of a nuclear reactor.

[0033] Corresponding reference characters indicate corresponding parts throughout the several views. The exemplifications set out herein illustrate various aspects of the invention, in one form, and such exemplifications are not to be construed as limiting the scope of the invention in any manner.DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0034] Numerous specific details are set forth to provide a thorough understanding of the overall structure, function, manufacture, and use of the aspects as described in the disclosure and illustrated in the accompanying drawings. Well-known operations, components, and elements have not been described in detail so as not to obscure the aspects described in the specification. The reader will understand that the aspects described and illustrated herein are non-limiting examples, and thus it can be appreciated that the specific structural and functional details disclosed herein may be representative and illustrative. Variations and changes thereto may be made without departing from the scope of the claims. Furthermore, it is to be understood that such terms as "forward", "rearward", "left", "right", "upwardly", "downwardly", and the like are words of convenience and are not to be construed as limiting terms.

[0035] In the following description, reference characters designate like or corresponding parts throughout the several views of the drawings. Also in the following description, it is to be understood that such terms as "forward", "rearward", "left", "right", "upwardly", "downwardly", and the like are words of convenience and are not to be construed as limiting terms.

[0036] As used in any aspect herein, the terms “component,” “system,” “module” and the like can refer to a computer-related entity, either hardware, a combination of hardware and software, software, or software in execution.

[0037] Before explaining various aspects of the crack arresting hole plug in detail, it should be noted that the illustrative examples are not limited in application or use to the details of construction and arrangement of parts illustrated in the accompanying drawings and description. The illustrative examples may be implemented or incorporated in other aspects, variations, and modifications, and may be practiced or carried out in various ways. Further, unless otherwise indicated, the terms and expressions employed herein have been chosen for the purpose of describing the illustrative examples for the convenience of the reader and are not for the purpose of limitation thereof. Also, it will be appreciated that one or more of the following-described aspects, expressions of aspects, and / or examples, can be combinedwith any one or more of the other following-described aspects, expressions of aspects, and / or examples.

[0038] During a nuclear reactor outage, the core barrel of the nuclear reactor is inspected for cracks along or near a weld. If a crack is discovered, one or more holes may be cut through the core barrel at various locations along the crack in order to prevent future crack growth. In doing so, the holes may allow for cold water at differential pressure to jet through them and into or past the core. If enough crack arresting holes are installed into the core barrel, the acceptable amount of cold water that infiltrates or bypasses the core may be exceeded. In such instances it may be desirable to plug one or more of the crack arresting holes to meet cold water infiltration requirements. A plug for plugging a crack arresting hole is discussed in greater detail below.

[0039] FIG. 1 illustrates a nuclear reactor 100 comprising a core barrel 120 positioned within a reactor vessel 130. In at least one aspect, a thermal shield 170 is positioned intermediate the core barrel 120 and the reactor vessel 130. In at least one aspect, there is no thermal shield positioned intermediate the core barrel 120 and the reactor vessel 130. In various aspects, the core barrel 120 houses a plurality of fuel assemblies 125 positioned below an upper core plate 127.

[0040] As discussed above, in some instances, a weld of the core barrel 120 may become cracked and require one or more crack arresting holes to be cut through the core barrel 120 along and / or near the crack to prevent further crack growth. FIG. 1 illustrates a crack arresting hole 122 defined through a wall 124 of the core barrel 120. In at least one aspect, the crack arresting hole 122 may allow for cold water 150 to enter into the core barrel 120 through the hole 122. It may be desirable to plug the one or more crack arresting holes with a plug to prevent cold water infiltration into the core barrel 120 beyond acceptable limits, as discussed in greater detail below.

[0041] FIGS. 2-9 illustrate a plug 200 for plugging one or more crack arresting holes 122 in the wall 124 of the core barrel 120. In at least one aspect, the crack arresting hole 122 defines a first profile FP (see FIG. 1A). In at least one aspect, an existing crack arresting hole may be machined and / or cut to achieve the first profile.

[0042] Referring to FIGS. 2-4, the plug 200 comprises a body 210, a clamping bar 220 rotatable relative to the body 210, and a screw 230 that couples the clamping bar 220 to the body 210. The screw 230 effectuates rotation and translation of the clamping bar 220, as discussed in greater detail below.

[0043] In at least one aspect, the body 210 is a unitary, one-piece structure. In any event, the body 210 comprises an outer plate 212, an inner plate 214, a plug portion 215 extending from the outer plate 212 toward the inner plate 214, and two extension tangs 216 intermediate the plug portion 215 and the inner plate 214. The extension tangs 216 areradially spaced apart to allow the clamping bar 220 to rotate relative thereto. The extension tangs 216 connect the plug portion 215 to the inner plate 214 and space the inner plate 214 apart from the plug portion 215 to allow space for the clamping bar 220. In at least one embodiment, there are two extension tangs 216 extending from the plug portion 215. In an alternative embodiment, there is only one extension tang 216 extending from the plug portion 215.

[0044] In at least one aspect, the plug portion 215 comprises radial portions 215a and two lobe portions 215b which define a second profile SP (see FIG. 2). In at least one aspect, the second profile SP is substantially similar in shape to the first profile FP (see FIG. 1A) of the hole 122 to allow the plug portion 215 to be received and / or positioned in the hole 122. In at least one aspect, the second profile SP of the plug portion 215 is shaped and sized such that the plug portion 215 will properly seal the hole 122 when the plug portion 215 is positioned in the hole 122. In at least one aspect, the second profile SP of the plug portion 215 fits within the first profile FP of the hole 122 to allow the plug portion 215 to be received in the hole 122.

[0045] As discussed above, the clamping bar 220 is rotatable relative to the body 210 and is positioned intermediate the plug portion 215 and the inner plate 214. The clamping bar 220 comprises a threaded opening 222 defined therein. Further, the screw 230 comprises a head portion 234, a boss portion 236, and a threaded portion 232 intermediate the head portion 234 and the boss portion 236. The boss portion 236 of the screw 230 is seated in an opening 214a defined in the inner plate 214. Further, at least a portion of the screw 230 extends through an opening 213 defined in the body 210 as shown in FIG. 4.

[0046] Further to the above, the threaded opening 222 of the clamping bar 220 is configured to receive the threaded portion 232 of the screw 230 as shown in FIG. 4. In at least one aspect, the clamping bar 220 is captured between the inner plate 214 of the body 210 and the plug portion 215 of the body 210 when the screw 230 is threadably engaged with the threaded opening 222 of the clamping bar 220.

[0047] Further to the above, the clamping bar 220 defines a third profile TP (see FIG. 2). In various aspects, the third profile TP of the clamping bar 220 can fit within the first profile FP of the hole 122 in order for the clamping bar 220 to be installed through the hole 122, as discussed in greater detail below.

[0048] Referring to FIGS. 2-4, the clamping bar 220 of the plug 200 is illustrated in an insertion configuration where the second profile SP of the plug portion 215 and the third profile TP of the clamping bar 220 are aligned with each other and with the first profile FP to permit the clamping bar 220 and the plug portion 215 to be inserted into the hole 122 having the first profile FP. Referring to FIG. 2, when the clamping bar 220 is in the insertion configuration, the clamping bar 220 is aligned with the lobes 215b of the plug portion 215.As such, when the clamping bar 220 is in the insertion configuration, the third profile TP of the clamping bar 220 is equal to or fits within the second profile SP of the plug portion 215 and within the first profile FP of the hole 122. In other words, the second profile SP and the third profile TP are nested within the first profile FP. Further, the inner plate 214 and the tangs 216 are sized and shaped such that they will also fit within the second profile SP of the plug portion 215 and the first profile FP of the hole 122. As such, when the clamping bar 220 is in the insertion configuration illustrated in FIGS. 2-4, the clamping bar 220, the tangs 216, and the inner plate 214 can be inserted through the hole 122 and the plug portion 215 can be received in the hole 122. In at least one aspect, the first profile FP, the second profile SP, and the third profile TP are aligned to permit the plug portion 215 to be received in the hole 122. Further, in at least one aspect, when the plug portion 215 is properly received in the hole 122, the outer plate 212 rests on an inner surface 124a (see FIG. 1) of the wall 124 of the core barrel 120 with the plug portion 215 positioned in the hole 122 to plug the hole 122 (see FIG. 9). In an alternative embodiment, the plug 200 may be installed from the other side of the core barrel 120 such that the outer plate 212 rests on an outer surface 124b of the wall 124 of the core barrel 120.

[0049] Further to the above, after the plug portion 215 is installed into the hole 122, the clamping bar 220 can be transitioned from the insertion configuration of FIGS. 2-4 to a clamping configuration as shown in FIGS. 5-9 by rotating the screw 230. Specifically, when the screw 230 is rotated in a first direction FD (see FIGS. 2, 3, and 5), the clamping bar 220 will rotate in the first direction FD from the position in FIG. 2 (i.e. , the insertion configuration) to the position in FIG. 5 (i.e., the clamping configuration). Referring to FIG. 5, when the plug 200 is in the clamping configuration, the clamping bar 220 abuts the two extension tangs 216 restricting further rotation of the clamping bar 220 in the first direction FD. As such, when the screw 230 is further rotated in the first direction FD, the clamping bar 220 will translate along the screw 230. In at least one aspect, rotation of the screw 230 in the first direction FD will translate the clamping bar 220 toward the plug portion 215 and the outer plate 212 of the body 210 when the clamping bar 220 abuts the extension tangs 216. In at least one aspect, as the clamping bar 220 is translated toward the outer plate 212, the wall 124 of the core barrel 120 is clamped between the clamping bar 220 and the outer plate 212 as shown in FIG. 9.

[0050] As can be seen in FIG. 5, when the clamping bar 220 is in the clamping configuration, the second profile SP of the plug portion 215 and the third profile TP of the clamping bar 220 are no longer aligned. As such, when the clamping bar 220 is translated toward the outer plate 212 and into contact with an outer surface 124b (e.g., an outer diameter) of the wall 124 of the core barrel 120, the clamping bar 220 and the outer plate212 clamp onto the wall 124 of the core barrel 120 and position the plug portion 215 within the hole 122 in the wall 124 of the core barrel 120.

[0051] Referring to FIGS. 4, 7, and 9, the plug 200 further comprises at least two fasteners, or pins 250, that are receivable in apertures 217 defined through the plug portion 215 and the outer plate 212. In at least one aspect, at least a portion of the apertures 217 are define through a preload plate 290. When the clamping bar 220 is in the insertion configuration, the pins 250 are not engaged with the clamping bar 220. The pins 250 are configured to align with corresponding holes 224 in the clamping bar 220 when the clamping bar 220 has been rotated into the clamping configuration as shown in FIG. 7. Further, the pins 250 are configured to engage the holes 224 in the clamping bar 220 when the clamping bar 220 has been translated toward the outer plate 212 to clamp the plug 200 to the wall 124 of the core barrel 120 as shown in FIG. 9. In at least one aspect, the pins may be threaded into the body portion 210. In at least one aspect, the pins 250 may be spring loaded by way of springs 217a positioned around the pins 250 intermediate the pins 250 and the body 210. In at least one aspect, the pins 250 serve to rotationally lock the clamping bar 220 to the body 210 after the clamping bar 220 and outer plate 212 are clamped onto the wall 124 of the core barrel 120.

[0052] Further to the above, the plug 200 comprises the preload plate 290 (see FIGS. 4, 7, 8, and 9) positioned intermediate the screw 230 and the body 210 and intermediate the pins 250 and the body 210. In at least one aspect, the preload plate 290 surrounds the pins 250 and provides a preload force onto the springs 217a (see FIG. 7) positioned around each of the pins 250. In at least one aspect, the preload plate 290 is held in position by a plurality of screws 295 (see FIG. 8) engaged with the body 210.

[0053] As discussed above, the plug portion 215 comprises the radial portions 215a and the at least two lobe portions 215b which define the second profile SP. The first profile FP of the hole 122 may be substantially similar to the second profile SP. In such instances, the plug portion 215 will be restricted from rotation when it is received in the hole 122. In other words, the lobe portions 215b will prevent the plug portion 215 and thus, the body 210 of the plug 200 from rotating relative to the hole 122 once the plug portion 215 is positioned in the hole 122 in the core barrel 120.

[0054] Further to the above, in at least one instance, the plug 200 may be a self-contained piece with no loose parts in order to prevent any loose parts from falling into the core barrel 120, for example. Further, the plug 200 can be installed with the core barrel 120 remaining inside of the reactor vessel 130. In other words, the core barrel 120 does not have to be lifted out of the reactor vessel 130 in order to install the above described plug 200. In at least one aspect, the plug 200 may be installed from inside of the core barrel 120. In at least one aspect, the plug 200 may be installed from outside of the core barrel 120. Further, oncethe screw 230 of the plug 200 is properly torqued, a method for securing the screw 230 in place may be implemented. In at least one instance, the screw 230 may be crimped and / or comprise a crimp-type feature in order to prevent torque loss and / or to prevent the screw 230 from backing out of the plug 200 once the plug is clamped to the wall 124 of the core barrel 120 and / or during use in service.

[0055] Further to the above, in at least one instance tapered features may be machined into the core barrel 120 from the plug 200 to engage. In such instances, when the plug 200 is tightening to the core barrel 120, as discussed above, the plug 200 would provide a clamping force onto the tapered features, which in turn would act to provide compressive forces into the crack arresting hole 122, which may provide an additional layer of crack arrestation. In at least one instance, implementing these tapered features may require the removal of the core barrel 120 from the reactor vessel 130, which would provide access to both the interior surface and exterior surface of the core barrel 120. However, in at least one instance, these tapered features could be implemented into the core barrel 120 without having to remove the core barrel 120 from the reactor vessel 130.

[0056] FIGS. 10-22 illustrate a plug 300 for plugging one or more holes such as the crack arresting hole 122 in the wall 124 of the core barrel 120. The plug 300 is similar to the plug 200, except for the difference discussed herein.

[0057] Referring to FIGS. 10-12, the plug 300 comprises a body 310, a clamping bar 320 rotatable relative to the body 310, and a screw 330 that couples the clamping bar 320 to the body 310. The screw 330 effectuates rotation and translation of the clamping bar 320, as discussed in greater detail below.

[0058] In at least one aspect, the body 310 is a unitary, one-piece structure. Further, the body 310 comprises an outer plate 312, an inner plate 314, a plug portion 315 extending from the outer plate 312 toward the inner plate 314, and two extension tangs 316 intermediate the plug portion 315 and the inner plate 314. The extension tangs 316 are radially spaced apart to allow the clamping bar 320 to rotate relative to the extension tangs 316. The extension tangs 316 connect the plug portion 315 to the inner plate 314 and space the inner plate 314 apart from the plug portion 315 to allow space for the clamping bar 320. In at least one embodiment, there are two extension tangs 316 extending from the plug portion 315. In an alternative embodiment, there is only one extension tang 316 extending from the plug portion 315.

[0059] In at least one aspect, the plug portion 315 comprises radial portions 315a and two lobe portions 315b which define a second profile SP (see FIG. 10). In at least one aspect, the second profile SP is substantially similar in shape to the first profile FP (see FIG. 1A) of the hole 122 to allow the plug portion 315 to be received and / or positioned in the hole 122. In at least one aspect, the second profile SP of the plug portion 315 is shaped and sizedsuch that the plug portion 315 will properly seal the hole 122 when the plug portion 315 is positioned in the hole 122. In various aspects, the second profile SP of the plug portion 315 fits within the first profile FP of the hole 122 to allow the plug portion 315 to be received in the hole 122. In at least one aspect, the second profile SP of the plug portion 315 is sized and shaped such that the plug portion 315 can be be press fit into the hole 122 having the first profile FP.

[0060] As discussed above, the clamping bar 320 is rotatable relative to the body 310 and is positioned intermediate the plug portion 315 and the inner plate 314. The clamping bar 320 comprises a body 321 and a threaded opening 322 (see FIG. 14) defined in the body 321. Referring to FIG. 12, the screw 330 comprises a head portion 334, a boss portion 336, and a threaded portion 332 intermediate the head portion 334 and the boss portion 336. The boss portion 336 of the screw 330 is rotatably received in an opening 314a defined in the inner plate 314. In at least one aspect, the opening 314a is a through hole and the screw 330 extends through the through hole. Further, at least a portion of the screw 330 extends through an opening 313 defined in the body 310, as shown in FIG. 12.

[0061] Further to the above, the threaded opening 322 of the clamping bar 320 is configured to receive the threaded portion 332 of the screw 330 as shown in FIG. 12. The screw 330 defines a longitudinal axis LA and is configured to rotate the clamping bar 320 about the longitudinal axis LA and translate the clamping bar along the longitudinal axis LA, as described herein. In at least one aspect, the clamping bar 320 is captured between the inner plate 314 of the body 310 and the plug portion 315 of the body 310 due to the threaded engagement of the screw 330 with the threaded opening 322 of the clamping bar 320.

[0062] Further to the above, the clamping bar 320 defines a third profile TP (see FIGS. 10 and 14). In various aspects, the third profile TP is defined by the outer perimeter of the clamping bar 320. In various aspects, the third profile TP of the clamping bar 320 fits inside the first profile FP of the hole 122 in order for the clamping bar 320 to be installed through the hole 122. Further, in various aspects, the third profile TP can be aligned with the second profile SP to permit the plug 300 to be installed through the first profile FP of the hole 122 in the core barrel.

[0063] Referring to FIGS. 10-13, the clamping bar 320 of the plug 300 is illustrated in an insertion configuration where the second profile SP of the plug portion 315 and the third profile TP of the clamping bar 320 are aligned with each other and fit within the first profile FP to permit the clamping bar 320 and the plug portion 315 to be inserted into the hole 122. Referring to FIGS. 10 and 13, when the clamping bar 320 is in the insertion configuration, the lobes 315b of the plug portion 315 are aligned with respective portions of the third profile TP. As such, when the clamping bar 320 is in the insertion configuration, the third profile TP of the clamping bar 320 and the second profile SP of the plug portion 315 are aligned witheach other and with the first profile FP such that they fit within the first profile FP of the hole 122. In other words, the second profile SP and the third profile TP are nested within the first profile FP.

[0064] Further to the above, the inner plate 314 and the tangs 316 of the body 310 are sized and shaped such that they fit within the first profile FP of the hole 122. More specifically, the body 310 of the plug 300 is structured such that an outer profile OP (see FIG. 12) of the inner plate 314 and the tangs 316 is aligned with the second profile SP of the plug portion 315 of the plug 300. FIG. 13 illustrates the alignment of the outer profile OP of the inner plate 314 and the tangs 316 with the second profile of the plug portion 315 when viewed from the inner plate 314 side of the plug 300. In other words, radial portions 315a of the plug portion 315 are aligned with the outer profile OP of the inner plate 314 and tangs 316 when viewed from the inner plate 314 side of the plug 300.

[0065] Further to the above, when the clamping bar 320 is in the insertion configuration (FIGS. 10-13) the clamping bar 320, the tangs 316, and the inner plate 314 can be inserted through the first profile FP of the hole 122 and the plug portion 315 can be received at least partially within the hole 122. As discussed above, when aligned properly, the second profile SP and the third profile TP will fit within the first profile FP of the hole 122 to permit the plug portion 315 to be received at least partially within the hole 122. Further, in at least one aspect, when the plug portion 315 is properly received in the hole 122, the outer plate 312 rests on the inner surface 124a (see FIG. 1) of the wall 124 of the core barrel 120 with the plug portion 315 positioned within the hole 122 to plug the hole 122 (see FIG. 22). In an alternative embodiment, the plug 300 may be installed from the other side of the core barrel 120 such that the outer plate 312 rests on the outer surface 124b of the wall 124 of the core barrel 120.

[0066] Referring to FIG. 12A, the clamping bar 320 comprises a brake 327, a set screw329, and a plurality of springs 333 positioned in an opening 328 defined in the body 321 of the clamping bar 320. The brake 327 is positioned between the set screw and the screw330, and the springs 333 are positioned between the set screw 329 and the brake 327. The opening 328 is oriented orthogonal to the longitudinal axis LA of the screw 330. Further, at least a portion of the opening is threaded such that the set screw 329 is threadably engaged with the opening 328. The set screw 329 can be threaded into the opening 328 to slide the brake 327 into engagement with the screw 330. In at least one aspect, a blunt surface 327a of the brake 327 engages the screw 330. In at least one aspect, the springs 333 provide a preloaded range of displacement to the brake 327 such that the brake 327 is not sensitive to small radial variations in the screw 330 when the brake 327 is in contact with the screw 330. As such, the springs 333 permit the brake 327 to apply a consistent amount of force to the screw 330. In various aspects, the set screw 329 can be torqued causing the brake 327 toimpart an amount of force onto the screw 330 to rotationally lock the clamping bar 320 and the screw 330 together. In at least one aspect, once the set screw 329 is torqued, the set screw 329 can be secured in place, e.g., via tack welding. 8.

[0067] In various aspects, the set screw 329 can be torqued such that the brake 327 applies a sufficient enough amount of force to the screw 330 to rotationally lock the clamping bar 320 and the screw 330 to each other such that rotation of the screw 330 about the longitudinal axis LA results in rotation of the clamping bar 320 about the longitudinal axis LA. In one aspect, the amount of force the brake 327 applies to the screw 330 is such that the clamping bar 320 and the screw 330 are rotationally locked together until the clamping bar 320 abuts the tangs 316 to overcome the amount of force applied by the brake 327 to the screw 330 to permit the clamping bar 320 to rotate relative to the screw 330, as discussed in greater detail below.

[0068] In use, after the clamping bar 320 is installed through the hole 122 and the plug portion 315 is installed into the hole 122, the clamping bar 320 can be transitioned from the insertion configuration (FIGS. 10-13) to a clamping configuration as shown in FIGS. 18-20. Specifically, when the screw 330 is rotated in a first direction FD (see FIGS. 10, 11, and 18) about the longitudinal axis LA, the clamping bar 320 will rotate in the first direction FD from the position in FIG. 10 (i.e. , the insertion configuration) to the position in FIG. 18 (i.e. , the clamping configuration) where the clamping bar 320 abuts, or engages, the tangs 316. As discussed above, the screw 330 and the clamping bar 320 rotate together owing to the amount of force applied to the screw 330 by the brake 327 of the clamping bar 320. However, when the clamping bar 320 abuts the tangs 316, rotation of the screw 330 in the first direction FD results in the amount of force applied by the brake 327 of the clamping bar 320 to the screw 330 being overcome to permit the clamping bar 320 to rotate about the longitudinal axis LA relative to the screw 330 and to translate the clamping bar 320 toward the outer plate 312 of the body 310.

[0069] Referring to FIG. 22, in use, when the clamping bar 320 abuts the extension tangs 316 to restrict further rotation of the clamping bar 320 in the first direction FD, rotation of the screw 330 in the first direction FD results in translation of the clamping bar 320 along the longitudinal axis LA toward the outer plate 312. As the clamping bar 320 is translated toward the outer plate 312, the wall 124 of the core barrel 120 can be clamped between the clamping bar 320 and the outer plate 312 as shown in FIG. 22. In various aspects, when the plug 300 is secured to the wall 124 of the core barrel 120, the plug 300 is in a clamped configuration. Referring to FIG. 22, when the plug 300 is in the clamped configuration, the clamping bar 320 applies an outward force OF to the outer surface 124b of the wall 124 of the core barrel 120 and the outer plate 312 applies an inward force IF to the inner surface

[0070] As can be seen in FIG. 18, when the clamping bar 320 is in the clamping configuration, the second profile SP of the plug portion 315 and the third profile TP of the clamping bar 320 are no longer aligned. In other words, the clamping bar 320 is oriented transverse to the lobes 315b of the plug portion 315. As such, when the clamping bar 320 is translated toward the outer plate 312 and into contact with the outer surface 124b (see FIG. 1) of the wall 124 of the core barrel 120, the clamping bar 320 and the outer plate 312 clamp onto either side of the wall 124 of the core barrel 120 and position the plug portion 315 within the hole 122 in the core barrel 120.

[0071] Referring to FIG. 12, the plug 300 further comprises at least two fasteners, or screws 350, that are receivable in threaded openings 317 defined through the plug portion 315 and the outer plate 312 of the body 310. In at least one aspect, the screws 350 may be spring loaded similar to the pins 250 of the plug 200, for example. Further, each screw 350 comprises a threaded portion 351 that is threadably engageable with the threaded openings 317, a head portion 352, and a boss portion 353 that is unthreaded. The threaded portion 351 is positioned intermediate the boss portion 353 and the head portion 352. In various aspects, when the clamping bar 320 is in the clamping configuration, the boss portion 353 is engageable with the clamping bar 320 to restrict rotation of the clamping bar 320, as discussed in greater detail below.

[0072] In use, in order to attach the plug 300 to the wall 124, the clamping bar 320 is oriented in the insertion configuration. When the clamping bar 320 is in the insertion configuration, the screws 350 are not engaged with and / or are not able to engage the clamping bar 320. In at least one aspect, when the clamping bar 320 is in the insertion configuration, the screws 350 do not extend into a region 319 (see FIG. 12) defined between the plug portion 315 and the inner plate 314. Further, referring to FIG. 16, when the clamping bar 320 is in the insertion configuration, the heads 352 of the screws 350 are not seated within respective crimp collars 312a defined on the outer plate 312. In any event, when the screws 350 are backed off from the outer plate 312, or are not positioned within the region 319, the screws 350 will not interfere with rotation of the clamping bar 320 as the clamping bar rotates from the position in FIG. 10 (the insertion configuration) to the position in FIG. 18 (the clamping configuration).

[0073] Further to the above, referring to FIGS. 14 and 15, the clamping bar 320 comprises a pair of protrusions 325, or wings, extending from the body 321. The clamping bar 320 further includes through holes 324, or openings, defined in the body 321 for receiving at least a portion of the screws 350 when the clamping bar 320 is in the clamping configuration. The protrusions 325 prevent the screws 350 from being installed properly when the clamping bar 320 is in the insertion configuration, as discussed in greater detail below.

[0074] FIG. 17 illustrates the plug 300 with the clamping bar 320 in the insertion configuration. The screws 350 are not shown in FIG. 17 to illustrate the relationship between the protrusions 325 of the clamping bar 320 and the screws 350 during use of the plug 300. Specifically, when the clamping bar 320 is in the insertion configuration, each of the protrusions 325 is positioned above, or covers at least a portion of, a respective one of the threaded openings 317 defined in the body 310. As discussed above, the threaded openings 317 receive the screws 350. As such, if the screws 350 are threaded into the threaded openings 317 far enough when the clamping bar 320 is in the insertion configuration, the screws 350 will engage the protrusions 325 of the clamping bar 320. In such an instance, the heads 352 of the screws 350 will not seat properly in their respective crimp collars 312a of the outer plate 312 which indicates to a user that the clamping bar 320 is in the insertion configuration and / or that the clamping bar 320 is not in the clamping configuration which would allow the screws 350 to be received in respective holes 324 defined in the body 321 of the clamping bar 320.

[0075] Further to the above, the screws 350 are positioned relative to the body 310 such that the screws 350 align with the corresponding through holes 324 defined in the clamping bar 320 when the clamping bar 320 is in the clamping configuration. In various aspects, as the clamping bar 320 is translated toward the outer plate 312 and outer surface 124b of the wall 124 of the core barrel 120, the screws 350 are received in the holes 324 in the clamping bar 320 as shown in FIG. 22. In at least one aspect, when the plug 300 is in the clamped configuration (FIG. 22), the screws 350 are positioned at least partially within the holes 324 of the clamping bar 320. As such, when the plug 300 is in the clamped configuration, the clamping bar 320 is rotationally locked relative to the body 310. Further, after clamping the plug 300 to the wall 124 of the core barrel 120, the screw 330 and the screws 350 can be secured to the body 310 to prevent the screws 330, 350 from unthreading from their respective threaded holes, as discussed in greater detail below.

[0076] Referring to FIG. 16, the plug 300 comprises a crimp collar 312b defined by the outer plate 312. The head 334 of the screw 330 is received in the crimp collar 312b. As discussed above, the outer plate 312 comprises the crimp collars 312a for receiving respective ones of the heads 352 of the screws 350. In use, after the plug 300 has been clamped to the wall 124 of the core barrel 120 and / or after the screws 330, 350 have been torqued a desired amount, the crimp collars 312a, 312b can be deformed, or crimped, onto the respective heads 334, 352 of the screws 330, 350. In one aspect, crimping the crimp collars 312a, 312b onto the heads 334, 352 of the screws 330, 350 prevents the screw 330, 350 from backing out of their respective threaded holes and / or to prevents torque loss. In at least one aspect, a plurality of recesses 359a, 359b are defined in the heads 334, 352 of the screws 330, 350. In use, when the crimp collars 312a, 312b are deformed, or crimped, ontothe heads 334, 352, a portion of the crimp collars 312a, 312b will enter the recesses 359a, 359b to rotationally lock the screws 330, 350 to the outer plate 312 of the plug 300.

[0077] Further to the above, in at least one instance, the plug 300 may be a self-contained piece with no loose parts in order to prevent any loose parts from falling into the core barrel 120, for example. Further, the plug 300 can be installed with the core barrel 120 remaining inside of the reactor vessel 130. In other words, the core barrel 120 does not have to be lifted out of the reactor vessel 130 in order to install the above described plug 300. In at least one aspect, the plug 300 may be installed from inside of the core barrel 120. In at least one aspect, the plug 300 may be installed from outside of the core barrel 120.

[0078] As discussed above, the plug portion 315 comprises the radial portions 315a and the at least two lobe portions 315b which define the second profile SP. The first profile FP of the hole 122 may be substantially similar in shape to the second profile SP. In at least one aspect, the plug portion 315 will be restricted from rotation when it is received in the hole 122. In other words, the lobe portions 315b will prevent the plug portion 315 and thus, the body 310 of the plug 300 from rotating relative to the hole 122 once the plug portion 315 is positioned in the hole 122, the hole 122 having the first profile FP and being defined in the wall 124 of the core barrel 120.

[0079] Referring to FIGS. 14 and 22, the body 321 of the clamping bar 320 defines arcuate surfaces 321a, a flat or substantially flat surface 321b opposite the arcuate surfaces 321a, and protrusions 321c defined on either side of the flat surface 321b. In at least one aspect, the arcuate surfaces 321a define an arcuate profile of the clamping bar 320. In use, the space between the protrusions 321c and / or the actuate surfaces 321a permit the clamping bar 320 to flex, or deflect, relative to the wall 124 of the core barrel 120 when the clamping bar applies the outer force OF to the outer surface 124b of the wall 124 of the core barrel 120. In certain instances, the outer surface 124b of the wall 124 of the core barrel 120 may be uneven, or may not be substantially flat. In such instances, the space between the protrusions 321c and / or the arcuate surfaces 321a permit the clamping bar 320 to deflect to adapt to the uneven inner surface of the wall 124 of the core barrel 120.

[0080] Further to the above, in at least one instance tapered features may be machined into the core barrel 120 from the plug 300 to engage. In such instances, when the plug 300 is tightening to the core barrel 120, as discussed above, the plug 300 would provide a clamping force onto the tapered features, which in turn would act to provide compressive forces into the crack arresting hole 122, which may provide an additional layer of crack arrestation. In at least one instance, implementing these tapered features may require the removal of the core barrel 120 from the reactor vessel 130, which would provide access to both the interior surface and exterior surface of the core barrel 120. However, in at least oneinstance, these tapered features could be implemented into the core barrel 120 without having to remove the core barrel 120 from the reactor vessel 130.

[0081] Referring to FIG. 23, a flowchart illustrating a method 1000 of plugging hole, such as the crack arresting hole 122 defined in the wall 124 of the core barrel 120 is shown. The method 1000 includes positioning a clamping bar 220, 320 of a plug, such as the plug 200 or the plug 300, relative to a body 210, 310 of the plug 200, 300 such that the clamping bar 220, 320 is in an insertion configuration at step 1002. In various aspects, in the insertion configuration, the clamping bar 220, 320 is aligned with a plug portion 215, 315 defined by the body 210, 310, and the clamping bar 220, 320 and the plug portion 215, 315 of the body 210, 310 are configured to fit within a first profile FP defined by the hole 122 in the core barrel 120. The method 1000 further includes moving the plug 200, 300 toward the wall 124 of the core barrel 120 to position the clamping bar 220, 320 of the plug 200, 300 through the crack arresting hole 122 and to position the plug portion 215, 315 at least partially within the crack arresting hole 122 at step 1004. The method further includes rotating the clamping bar 220, 320 in a first direction FD relative to the body 210, 310 to transition the clamping bar 220, 320 from the insertion configuration to a clamping configuration as step 1006. In various aspects, in the clamping configuration, the clamping bar 220, 320 is oriented transverse to the plug portion 215, 315. The method 1000 further includes translating the clamping bar 220, 320 toward the wall 124 of the core barrel 120 to clamp the wall 124 of the core barrel 120 between the clamping bar 220, 320 and an outer plate 212, 312 defined by the body 210, 310 of the plug 200, 300 at step 1008.

[0082] Further to the above, in various aspects, the plug 200, 300 includes a screw 230, 330 as described above. In at least one aspect, the method 1000 can further include rotating the screw 230, 330 in the first direction FD to rotate the clamping bar 220, 320 in the first direction FD to transition the clamping bar 220, 320 from the insertion configuration to the clamping configuration.

[0083] In at least one aspect, translating the clamping bar comprises rotating the screw 230, 330 of the plug in the first direction FD when the clamping bar 220, 320 is in the clamping configuration. In various aspects, when the clamping bar 220, 320 is in the clamping configuration, rotation of the clamping bar 220, 320 in the first direction FD is restricted by the body 210, 310 of the plug 200, 300. For example, the body 210, 310 can include extension tangs 216, 316 which abut or engage the clamping bar 220, 320 when the clamping bar 220, 320 is in the clamping configuration. In the clamping configuration, the extension tangs 216, 316 prevent rotation of the clamping bar 220, 320 in the first direction and permit the clamping bar 220, 320 to translate along the screw 230, 330 toward the wall 124 of the core barrel 120 upon rotation of the screw 230, 330 in the first direction FD.

[0084] In at least one aspect, the method 1000 can further include rotationally locking the clamping bar 220, 320 to the body 210, 310 after the wall 124 of the core barrel is clamped between the clamping bar 220, 320 and the outer plate 212, 312.

[0085] In at least one aspect, the method 1000 can include rotationally locking the screw 230, 330 relative to the body 210, 310 after the wall 124 of the core barrel 120 is clamped between the clamping bar 220, 320 and the outer plate 212, 312.

[0086] All patents, patent applications, publications, or other disclosure material mentioned herein, are hereby incorporated by reference in their entirety as if each individual reference was expressly incorporated by reference respectively. All references, and any material, or portion thereof, that are said to be incorporated by reference herein are incorporated herein only to the extent that the incorporated material does not conflict with existing definitions, statements, or other disclosure material set forth in this disclosure. As such, and to the extent necessary, the disclosure as set forth herein supersedes any conflicting material incorporated herein by reference and the disclosure expressly set forth in the present application controls.

[0087] The present invention has been described with reference to various exemplary and illustrative aspects. The aspects described herein are understood as providing illustrative features of varying detail of various aspects of the disclosed invention; and therefore, unless otherwise specified, it is to be understood that, to the extent possible, one or more features, elements, components, constituents, ingredients, structures, modules, and / or aspects of the disclosed aspects may be combined, separated, interchanged, and / or rearranged with or relative to one or more other features, elements, components, constituents, ingredients, structures, modules, and / or aspects of the disclosed aspects without departing from the scope of the disclosed invention. Accordingly, it will be recognized by persons having ordinary skill in the art that various substitutions, modifications or combinations of any of the exemplary aspects may be made without departing from the scope of the invention. In addition, persons skilled in the art will recognize, or be able to ascertain using no more than routine experimentation, many equivalents to the various aspects of the invention described herein upon review of this specification. Thus, the invention is not limited by the description of the various aspects, but rather by the claims.

[0088] Those skilled in the art will recognize that, in general, terms used herein, and especially in the appended claims (e.g., bodies of the appended claims) are generally intended as “open” terms (e.g., the term “including” should be interpreted as “including but not limited to,” the term “having” should be interpreted as “having at least,” the term “includes” should be interpreted as “includes but is not limited to,” etc.). It will be further understood by those within the art that if a specific number of an introduced claim recitation is intended, such an intent will be explicitly recited in the claim, and in the absence of suchrecitation no such intent is present. For example, as an aid to understanding, the following appended claims may contain usage of the introductory phrases “at least one” and “one or more” to introduce claim recitations. However, the use of such phrases should not be construed to imply that the introduction of a claim recitation by the indefinite articles “a” or “an” limits any particular claim containing such introduced claim recitation to claims containing only one such recitation, even when the same claim includes the introductory phrases “one or more” or “at least one” and indefinite articles such as “a” or “an” (e.g., “a” and / or “an” should typically be interpreted to mean “at least one” or “one or more”); the same holds true for the use of definite articles used to introduce claim recitations.

[0089] In addition, even if a specific number of an introduced claim recitation is explicitly recited, those skilled in the art will recognize that such recitation should typically be interpreted to mean at least the recited number (e.g., the bare recitation of “two recitations,” without other modifiers, typically means at least two recitations, or two or more recitations). Furthermore, in those instances where a convention analogous to “at least one of A, B, and C, etc.” is used, in general such a construction is intended in the sense one having skill in the art would understand the convention (e.g., “a system having at least one of A, B, and C” would include but not be limited to systems that have A alone, B alone, C alone, A and B together, A and C together, B and C together, and / or A, B, and C together, etc.). In those instances where a convention analogous to “at least one of A, B, or C, etc.” is used, in general such a construction is intended in the sense one having skill in the art would understand the convention (e.g., “a system having at least one of A, B, or C” would include but not be limited to systems that have A alone, B alone, C alone, A and B together, A and C together, B and C together, and / or A, B, and C together, etc.). It will be further understood by those within the art that typically a disjunctive word and / or phrase presenting two or more alternative terms, whether in the description, claims, or drawings, should be understood to contemplate the possibilities of including one of the terms, either of the terms, or both terms unless context dictates otherwise. For example, the phrase “A or B” will be typically understood to include the possibilities of “A” or “B” or “A and B.”

[0090] With respect to the appended claims, those skilled in the art will appreciate that recited operations therein may generally be performed in any order. Also, although claim recitations are presented in a sequence(s), it should be understood that the various operations may be performed in other orders than those which are described, or may be performed concurrently. Examples of such alternate orderings may include overlapping, interleaved, interrupted, reordered, incremental, preparatory, supplemental, simultaneous, reverse, or other variant orderings, unless context dictates otherwise. Furthermore, terms like “responsive to,” “related to,” or other past-tense adjectives are generally not intended to exclude such variants, unless context dictates otherwise.

[0091] It is worthy to note that any reference to “one aspect,” “an aspect,” “an exemplification,” “one exemplification,” and the like means that a particular feature, structure, or characteristic described in connection with the aspect is included in at least one aspect. Thus, appearances of the phrases “in one aspect,” “in an aspect,” “in an exemplification,” and “in one exemplification” in various places throughout the specification are not necessarily all referring to the same aspect. Furthermore, the particular features, structures or characteristics may be combined in any suitable manner in one or more aspects.

[0092] As used herein, the singular form of “a”, “an”, and “the” include the plural references unless the context clearly dictates otherwise.

[0093] Directional phrases used herein, such as, for example and without limitation, top, bottom, left, right, lower, upper, front, back, and variations thereof, shall relate to the orientation of the elements shown in the accompanying drawing and are not limiting upon the claims unless otherwise expressly stated.

[0094] The terms “about” or “approximately” as used in the present disclosure, unless otherwise specified, means an acceptable error for a particular value as determined by one of ordinary skill in the art, which depends in part on how the value is measured or determined. In certain aspects, the term “about” or “approximately” means within 1 , 2, 3, or 4 standard deviations. In certain aspects, the term “about” or “approximately” means within 50%, 200%, 105%, 100%, 9%, 8%, 7%, 6%, 5%, 4%, 3%, 2%, 1%, 0.5%, or 0.05% of a given value or range.

[0095] In this specification, unless otherwise indicated, all numerical parameters are to be understood as being prefaced and modified in all instances by the term “about,” in which the numerical parameters possess the inherent variability characteristic of the underlying measurement techniques used to determine the numerical value of the parameter. At the very least, and not as an attempt to limit the application of the doctrine of equivalents to the scope of the claims, each numerical parameter described herein should at least be construed in light of the number of reported significant digits and by applying ordinary rounding techniques.

[0096] Any numerical range recited herein includes all sub-ranges subsumed within the recited range. For example, a range of “1 to 100” includes all sub-ranges between (and including) the recited minimum value of 1 and the recited maximum value of 100, that is, having a minimum value equal to or greater than 1 and a maximum value equal to or less than 100. Also, all ranges recited herein are inclusive of the end points of the recited ranges. For example, a range of “1 to 100” includes the end points 1 and 100. Any maximum numerical limitation recited in this specification is intended to include all lower numerical limitations subsumed therein, and any minimum numerical limitation recited in this specification is intended to include all higher numerical limitations subsumed therein.Accordingly, Applicant reserves the right to amend this specification, including the claims, to expressly recite any sub-range subsumed within the ranges expressly recited. All such ranges are inherently described in this specification.

[0097] Any patent application, patent, non-patent publication, or other disclosure material referred to in this specification and / or listed in any Application Data Sheet is incorporated by reference herein, to the extent that the incorporated materials is not inconsistent herewith. As such, and to the extent necessary, the disclosure as explicitly set forth herein supersedes any conflicting material incorporated herein by reference. Any material, or portion thereof, that is said to be incorporated by reference herein, but which conflicts with existing definitions, statements, or other disclosure material set forth herein will only be incorporated to the extent that no conflict arises between that incorporated material and the existing disclosure material.

[0098] The terms "comprise" (and any form of comprise, such as "comprises" and "comprising"), "have" (and any form of have, such as "has" and "having"), "include" (and any form of include, such as "includes" and "including") and "contain" (and any form of contain, such as "contains" and "containing") are open-ended linking verbs. As a result, a system that "comprises," "has," "includes" or "contains" one or more elements possesses those one or more elements, but is not limited to possessing only those one or more elements. Likewise, an element of a system, device, or apparatus that "comprises," "has," "includes" or "contains" one or more features possesses those one or more features, but is not limited to possessing only those one or more features.

Claims

WHAT IS CLAIMED IS:

1. A plug for plugging a hole in a wall of a core barrel of a nuclear reactor, the hole defining a first profile, the plug comprising: a body, defining: an outer plate; an inner plate; a plug portion defining a second profile, the plug portion extending from the outer plate, wherein the plug portion is positionable within the hole of the core barrel; and at least two extension tangs positioned intermediate the plug portion and the inner plate; a clamping bar comprising a threaded opening, the clamping bar defining a third profile, wherein the clamping bar is rotatable relative to the body and positioned intermediate the plug portion and the inner plate; and a screw rotatable relative to the body and threadably engaged with the threaded opening of the clamping bar, wherein the screw is rotatable in a first direction to rotate the clamping bar from an insertion configuration to a clamping configuration, wherein, in the insertion configuration, the second profile and the third profile are aligned with each other and with the first profile such that the plug portion and the clamping bar fit within the first profile to install the clamping bar through the hole and to position the plug portion at least partially within the hole, wherein, in the clamping configuration, the clamping bar abuts the extension tangs restricting rotation of the clamping bar in the first direction such that rotation of the screw in the first direction translates the clamping bar toward the outer plate of the body to clamp the wall of the core barrel between the outer plate and the clamping bar to attach the plug to the wall of the core barrel.

2. The plug of Claim 1, further comprising at least two fasteners received in openings defined in the body, the fasteners are to align with corresponding openings defined in the clamping bar based on the clamping bar being in the clamping configuration.

3. The plug of Claim 2, wherein the at least two fasteners are received at least partially within the corresponding openings defined in the clamping bar upon the plug being attached to the wall of the core barrel to rotationally lock the clamping bar to the body.

4. The plug of Claim 3, further comprising at least two crimp collars defined on the outer plate, wherein the at least two fasteners are to be rotationally locked to the outer plate upon deformation of the crimp collars onto each one of the at least two fasteners.

5. The plug of Claim 1 , further comprising a crimp collar defined on the outer plate, wherein the screw is to be rotationally locked to the outer plate upon deformation of the crimp collar onto a head of the screw.

6. The plug of Claim 2, wherein the clamping bar further comprises a protrusion extending from a body of the clamping bar, and wherein, in the insertion configuration, the protrusion is aligned with one of the openings defined in the body of the clamping bar such that one of the at least two fasteners will abut the protrusion upon a user attempting to install the one of the at least two fasteners such that a head of the one of the at least two fasteners will not seat properly in the body of the clamp.

7. The plug of Claim 1, wherein the clamping bar comprises a brake configured to apply an amount of force to the screw to rotationally lock the clamping bar to the screw such that the clamping bar rotates with the screw, and wherein, in the clamping configuration, the amount of force is overcome by the screw to permit the screw to rotate relative to the clamping bar based on the screw being rotated in the first direction.

8. The plug of Claim 7, wherein the clamping bar comprises a threaded opening defined in the body of the clamping bar and a set screw received in the threaded opening, the brake positioned in the threaded opening, and the set screw to be torqued with the brake positioned intermediate the set screw and the screw such that the set screw causes the brake to apply the amount of force to the screw.

9. The plug of Claim 8, wherein the clamping bar comprises a plurality of springs positioned intermediate the set screw and the brake to permit the brake to adjust to radial variations in the screw such that the brake applies a consistent amount of force to the screw.

10. The plug of Claim 1, wherein the clamping bar defines an arcuate profile to permit the clamping bar to deflect based on the clamping bar engaging the wall of the core barrel to adapt to an uneven surface defined by the wall of the core barrel.

11. The plug of Claim 1 , wherein the screw is secured to the body of the clamp such that the screw is prevented from unthreading from the threaded opening defined in the clamping bar.

12. The plug of Claim 2, wherein at least one of the at least two fasteners are spring loaded relative to the body of the clamp.

13. A plug for plugging a hole in a wall of a core barrel of a nuclear reactor, the plug comprising: a body defining a plug portion; a clamping bar rotatably connected to the body and spaced apart from the plug portion; and a screw rotatable relative to the body and operably engaged with the clamping bar, wherein the screw is rotatable in a first direction to rotate the clamping bar from an insertion configuration to a clamping configuration, wherein, in the insertion configuration the clamping bar and the plug portion are aligned with each other and with the hole such that the plug portion and the clamping bar fit within the hole to install the clamping bar through the hole and to position the plug portion at least partially within the hole, wherein, in the clamping configuration, the clamping bar abuts one or more than one portion of the body to restrict rotation of the clamping bar in the first direction such that rotation of the screw in the first direction translates the clamping bar toward the wall of the core barrel to clamp the wall of the core barrel between the body and the clamping bar to attach the plug to the wall of the core barrel.

14. The plug of Claim 13, further comprising at least two fasteners received in openings defined in the body, the fasteners are to align with corresponding openings defined in the clamping bar based on the clamping bar being in the clamping configuration.

15. The plug of Claim 14, wherein the at least two fasteners are received at least partially within the corresponding openings defined in the clamping bar upon the plug being attached to the wall of the core barrel to rotationally lock the clamping bar to the body.

16. The plug of Claim 13, further comprising a crimp collar defined on the body, wherein the screw is to be rotationally locked to the body upon deformation of the crimp collar onto a head of the screw.

17. A method of plugging a crack arresting hole defined in a wall of a core barrel of a nuclear reactor, the method comprising: positioning a clamping bar of a plug relative to a body of the plug such that the clamping bar is in an insertion configuration, wherein, in the insertion configuration, the clamping bar is aligned with a plug portion defined by the body, and the clamping bar andthe plug portion of the body are configured to fit within a first profile defined by the hole in the core barrel; moving the plug toward the wall of the core barrel to position the clamping bar of the plug through the crack arresting hole and to position the plug portion at least partially within the crack arresting hole; rotating the clamping bar in a first direction relative to the body to transition the clamping bar from the insertion configuration to a clamping configuration, wherein, in the clamping configuration, the clamping bar is oriented transverse to the plug portion; and translating the clamping bar toward the wall of the core barrel to clamp the wall of the core barrel between the clamping bar and an outer plate defined by the body of the plug.

18. The method of Claim 17, wherein the plug comprises a screw operably engaged with the clamping bar, wherein rotating the clamping bar comprises rotating the screw in the first direction to transition the clamping bar from the insertion configuration to the clamping configuration.

19. The method of Claim 18, wherein translating the clamping bar comprises rotating the screw of the plug in the first direction when the clamping bar is in the clamping configuration, and wherein, in the clamping configuration, rotation of the clamping bar in the first direction is restricted to permit the clamping bar to translate along the screw.

20. The method of Claim 19, further comprising rotationally locking the clamping bar to the body after the wall of the core barrel is clamped between the clamping bar and the outer plate.

21. The method of Claim 20, further comprising rotationally locking the screw relative to the body after the wall of the core barrel is clamped between the clamping bar and the outer plate.

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