Induced nuclear reactions: processes – systems – and elements – Testing – sensing – measuring – or detecting a fission reactor... – Position detection
Patent
1984-07-20
1987-03-10
Cangialosi, Salvatore
Induced nuclear reactions: processes, systems, and elements
Testing, sensing, measuring, or detecting a fission reactor...
Position detection
376245, G21C 1700
Patent
active
046490159
ABSTRACT:
A monitoring system for detecting changes in the liquid levels in various regions of a water-cooled nuclear power reactor, viz., in the downcomer, in the core, in the inlet and outlet plenums, at the head, and elsewhere; and also for detecting changes in the density of the liquid in these regions. A plurality of gamma radiation detectors are used, arranged vertically along the outside of the reactor vessel, and collimator means for each detector limits the gamma-radiation it receives as emitting from only isolated regions of the vessel. Excess neutrons produced by the fission reaction will be captured by the water coolant, by the steel reactor walls, or by the fuel or control structures in the vessel. Neutron capture by steel generates gamma radiation having an energy level of the order of 5-12 MeV, whereas neutron capture by water provides an energy level of approximately 2.2 MeV, and neutron capture by the fission fuel or its cladding provides an energy level of 1 MeV or less. The intensity of neutron capture thus changes significantly at any water-metal interface. Comparative analysis of adjacent gamma detectors senses changes from the normal condition with liquid coolant present to advise of changes in the presence and/or density of the coolant at these specific regions. The gamma detectors can also sense fission-product gas accumulation at the reactor head to advise of a failure of fuel-pin cladding.
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Cangialosi Salvatore
Hightower Judson R.
Lind Charles F.
Siller, Jr. Gustavc
The United States of America as represented by the United States
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