Nuclear fuel assembly with improved spectral shift-producing rod

Induced nuclear reactions: processes – systems – and elements – With control of reactor – Spectral shift

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376327, 376336, 376339, 376447, G21C 704, G21C 726

Patent

active

046876219

ABSTRACT:
An improved spectral shift-producing rod in a fuel assembly of a nuclear reactor has an elongated hollow tubular body with a pair of end plugs attached to its opposite ends to hermetically seal the rod. A burnable poison material is contained in the hollow body. The material generates a gas within the body as operation of the reactor proceeds. Also, the material is soluble in moderator water when brought into contact with the same. The rod has a weakened structural region which is subject to rupture at a given level of internal pressure. Preferably, the weakened region takes the form of a thinned disc-like portion formed in at least one of the end plugs. The water soluble material within the rod depresses power initially by absorbing neutrons. Absorption of neutrons causes generation of helium gas which increases internal pressure within the rod. When the internal pressure exceeds the rupture strength of the weakened region of the rod, the hermetic seal is broken and water enters the rod. The absorber material is gradually dissolved so that eventually the rod fills with water. This results in increase moderation which provides extra reactivity within the fuel assembly.

REFERENCES:
patent: 3382153 (1968-05-01), Bigge et al.
patent: 4371495 (1983-02-01), Marlatt
patent: 4432934 (1984-02-01), Gjertsen et al.
patent: 4460540 (1984-07-01), Funk et al.

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