Induced nuclear reactions: processes – systems – and elements – Control component for a fission reactor
Reexamination Certificate
2008-02-08
2011-10-04
Palabrica, Rick (Department: 3663)
Induced nuclear reactions: processes, systems, and elements
Control component for a fission reactor
C376S333000, C376S339000
Reexamination Certificate
active
08031826
ABSTRACT:
The present invention provides a gray rod control assembly (GRCA) containing an improved neutron absorber comprised of a porous matrix of refractory metal infused with a neutron absorbing metal or metal alloy for a nuclear reactor. The reactor has a plurality of fuel assemblies, each including numerous elongated fuel rods supported in an organized array by substantially transverse support grids, and a plurality of guide thimbles disposed through the support grids and along the fuel rods. The GRCA includes a spider assembly structured to provide controlled insertion of gray rod assemblies within the thimbles of the fuel assembly, thereby controlling the rate of power produced by the reactor. Each gray rod assembly includes an elongated tubular member, a first end plug, a second end plug and the improved neutron-absorber disposed within the tubular member. Delta-power of the reactor is improved by the relatively small percentage of neutron absorbing metal infused in the porous matrix of the refractory metal of the neutron absorber and by distributing the neutron absorber in segments among a plurality of rods of the GRCA.
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Goldenfield Mark P.
Hone Michael J.
Long, Jr. Carroll J.
Pomirleanu Radu
Palabrica Rick
Spadacene Joseph C.
Westinghouse Electric Company LLC
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