Apparatus for sealing the seam between two conduits

An apparatus is described for sealing the seam between first and second axially aligned conduits comprising: sealing means disposed at the seam between the first and second conduits; a spacer having means for detachable connecting to the first conduit in such a manner as to apply a generally uniform axial force to the perimeter of the first conduit and a first threaded surface; a second spacer connecting to the second conduit; at least one of the spacer means being rotatably disposed with respect to the connected conduit; and the first threaded surface and a second threaded surface cooperating to relatively axially displace the first conduit and the second conduit by applying the axial forces thereto to compress the sealing means when the first spacer means and the second spacer means are relatively rotated. This patent also describes means for this apparatus to be used in a nuclear reactor pressure vessel in combination with an instrumentation port extending through the pressure vessel and comprising a male flange secured to the pressure vessel, an instrumentation port column extending through the male flange, and generally annular sealing means between the male flange and instrumentation port column which forms a seal therebetween when the port column is axially displaced relative to the male flange