Induced nuclear reactions: processes – systems – and elements – Fuel component structure – Plural fuel segments or elements
Patent
1989-03-14
1990-04-03
Walsh, Donald P.
Induced nuclear reactions: processes, systems, and elements
Fuel component structure
Plural fuel segments or elements
376443, G21C 334
Patent
active
049138758
ABSTRACT:
A spacer assembly for imparting a swirl to a passing steam water mixture within a fuel channel of a boiling water reactor is disclosed. The spacer assembly is placed at periodic intervals along the inside of a square cross sectioned fuel channel so as to separate the fuel containing rods from each other and the fuel channel sides. Each discrete spacer element is constructed of a matrix of helically twisted sheet metal spacing elements for the serendipitous purposes of providing separation of the steam and water, with water being deposited on the fuel rods surfaces. Each helical element is a twisted planar metallic member and includes a rotation of the metal surfaces in the order of 450.degree. over a typical two inches of length. For each 90.degree. interval of rotation from the top and bottom of each helical element, paired lattice connections are provided for attachment to adjoining elements. Intermediate of the lattice connectors at 45.degree. for confrontation to the spaced apart fuel rods, there are placed rod stops. The resultant spacer thus improves the thermodynamics of steam generation by maintaining water on the fuel rods, imparts swirl to the steam water flow between spacers, and provides a lighter and less neutron absorbing metallic mass in the reactor.
REFERENCES:
patent: 3033773 (1962-05-01), Schluderberg
patent: 3420737 (1969-01-01), Marchal
patent: 3764470 (1973-10-01), Calvin
patent: 3787285 (1974-01-01), Marstrand
patent: 3847736 (1974-11-01), Bevilacqua
patent: 4726926 (1988-02-01), Patterson et al.
Fuel Assemblies with Deflectors for Steam Water Separation for Boiling Water Reactors by Jorgen and Marstraid published by the Library of the Danish Atomic Energy Commission Research Establishment Riso, Jul. 1971.
Bulger Louis C.
Johansson Eric B.
General Electric Company
Schroeder Robert R.
Walsh Donald P.
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