Induced nuclear reactions: processes – systems – and elements – Reactor structures – Fuel material in contact with and supported by fluid
Patent
1984-06-13
1986-01-07
Jordan, Charles T.
Induced nuclear reactions: processes, systems, and elements
Reactor structures
Fuel material in contact with and supported by fluid
G21C 124, G21C 352
Patent
active
045633274
ABSTRACT:
This invention teaches a nuclear fission reactor having a core vessel and at least one tandem heat exchanger vessel coupled therewith across upper and lower passages to define a closed flow loop. Nuclear fuel such as a uranium alloy in its liquid phase fills these vessels and flow passages. Solid control elements in the reactor core vessel are adapted to be adjusted relative to one another to control fission reaction of the liquid fuel therein. Moderator elements in the other vessel and flow passages preclude fission reaction therein. An inert gas such as helium is bubbled upwardly through the heat exchanger vessel operable to move the liquid fuel upwardly therein and unidirectionally around the closed loop and downwardly through the core vessel. This helium gas is further directed to heat conversion means outside of the reactor vessels to utilize the heat from the fission reaction to generate useful output. The nuclear fuel operates in the 1200.degree.-1800.degree. C. range, and even higher to 2500.degree. C., limited only by the thermal effectiveness of the structural materials, increasing the efficiency of power generation from the normal 30-35% with 300.degree.-500.degree. C. upper limit temperature to 50-65%. Irradiation of the circulating liquid fuel, as contrasted to only localized irradiation of a solid fuel, provides improved fuel utilization.
REFERENCES:
patent: 3136700 (1964-06-01), Poppendiek et al.
patent: 3386886 (1968-06-01), Whittier
patent: 3447321 (1969-06-01), Romero
patent: 3486977 (1969-12-01), Geist
patent: 3494829 (1970-02-01), Mialki et al.
patent: 3624239 (1971-11-01), Fraas
patent: 4182651 (1980-01-01), Fischer
patent: 4217172 (1980-08-01), Mori et al.
patent: 4327443 (1982-04-01), Cotton
Hightower Judson R.
Jordan Charles T.
Klein Richard
Rees Walter L.
The United States of America as represented by the United States
LandOfFree
Liquid uranium alloy-helium fission reactor does not yet have a rating. At this time, there are no reviews or comments for this patent.
If you have personal experience with Liquid uranium alloy-helium fission reactor, we encourage you to share that experience with our LandOfFree.com community. Your opinion is very important and Liquid uranium alloy-helium fission reactor will most certainly appreciate the feedback.
Profile ID: LFUS-PAI-O-111224