Bi-level reactor including steam separators

Details Bi-level reactor including steam separators Bi-level reactor including steam separators

1991-08-14

1993-04-13

Walsh, Donald P.

Induced nuclear reactions: processes, systems, and elements

Fuel component structure

Plural fuel segments or elements

376371, G21C 304

Patent

active

052020843

ABSTRACT:
A nuclear reactor with a recirculating heat transfer fluid has a bi-level core which provides enhanced flexibility in fuel arrangement. The bi-level core includes a first core, a plurality of steam separators disposed above the first core, and a second core disposed above the steam separators all inside a single pressure vessel. The steam separators receive a steam and water mixture from the first core and separate the water from the steam. The separated steam is channeled to the second core which cools the second core resulting in the generation of superheated steam. Preferably, fuel bundles of the second core are arranged in vertical alignment with fuel bundles of the first core. This permits a fuel bundle of the first core to be accessed by removing only the adjacent fuel bundle of the second core. During refueling operations, fuel bundles can be shifted from one core to the other, providing additional flexibility in arranging units at various states of burnup. The bi-level core allows fuel to be initially positioned in the second core for conversion of fertile fuel to fissile fuel, and then repositioned to the first core for more complete axial burnup. The steam separators disposed between the first and second cores control the quality of steam channeled into the second core, and allow any crud to remain in solution in the separated water for being removed without buildup in the cores during operation.

REFERENCES:
patent: 5116567 (1992-05-01), Fennern et al.
M. A. Schultz et al., "A New Steam-Cooled Reactor", Nuclear Science and Engineering, 1985, pp. 391-399.
Y. Ishiguro et al., "Pancake Core High Conversion Light Water Reactor Concept," Nuclear Technology, vol. 84, Mar. 1989, pp. 331-343.
P. N. Alekseev et al., "Steam-Water Power Reactor Concept," Reference and date unknown, pp. 6-1 through 6-17.
Wilkins et al., Advanced BWR: Design Improvements Build on Proven Technology, Nuclear Engineering International, reprint Jun. 1986, pp. 1-7 and drawing entitled "The World's Reactors No 89".
Foster et al., "Basic Nuclear Engineering," 1977, cover and copyright pages, and pp. 427-488.

Affiliated with

Also associated with

Rating

Bi-level reactor including steam separators does not yet have a rating. At this time, there are no reviews or comments for this patent.

If you have personal experience with Bi-level reactor including steam separators, we encourage you to share that experience with our LandOfFree.com community. Your opinion is very important and Bi-level reactor including steam separators will most certainly appreciate the feedback.

Rate now

Comments { 0 }

Profile ID: LFUS-PAI-O-1153621