1976-03-17
1977-10-11
Engle, Samuel W.
176 40, 176 50, G21C 1502
Patent
active
040533590
ABSTRACT:
A nuclear reactor in which the core components, including fuel-rod assemblies, control-rod assemblies, fertile rod-assemblies, and removable shielding assemblies, are supported by a plurality of separate inlet modular units. These units are referred to as inlet module units to distinguish them from the modules of the upper internals of the reactor. The modular units are supported, each removable independently of the others, in liners in the supporting structure for the lower internals of the reactor. The core assemblies are removably supported in integral receptacles or sockets of the modular units. The liners, units, sockets and assmblies have inlet openings for entry of the fluid. The modular units are each removably mounted in the liners with fluid seals interposed between the opening in the liner and inlet module into which the fluid enters and the upper and lower portion of the liner. Each assembly is similarly mounted in a corresponding receptacle with fluid seals interposed between the openings where the fluid enters and the lower portion of the receptacle or fitting closely in these regions. As fluid flows along each core assembly a pressure drop is produced along the fluid so that the fluid which emerges from each core assembly is at a lower pressure than the fluid which enters the core assembly. However because of the seals interposed in the mountings of the units and assemblies the pressures above and below the units and assemblies are balanced and the units are held in the liners and the assemblies are held in the receptacles by their weights as they have a higher specific gravity than the fluid. The low-pressure spaces between each module and its liner and between each core assembly and its module is vented to the low-pressure regions of the vessel to assure that fluid which leaks through the seals does not accumulate and destroy the hydraulic balance.
REFERENCES:
patent: 3350277 (1967-10-01), Costes
patent: 3736226 (1973-05-01), Sakurama
patent: 3888731 (1975-06-01), Finch et al.
Pennell William E.
Rowan William J.
Cangialosi S. A.
Dermer Z. L.
Engle Samuel W.
Levine Edward L.
The United States of America as represented by the United States
LandOfFree
Nuclear 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 Nuclear reactor, we encourage you to share that experience with our LandOfFree.com community. Your opinion is very important and Nuclear reactor will most certainly appreciate the feedback.
Profile ID: LFUS-PAI-O-737769