Method of refueling a nuclear reactor
US10014083B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | May 2, 2012 |
| Grant date | Jul 3, 2018 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Apr 8, 2037 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC Y)Emerging Cross-Sectional Technologies
- CPC primaryY02E30/30
- WIPO fieldEngines, pumps, turbines
- WIPO sectorMechanical engineering
Abstract
A method of refueling a nuclear reactor that includes the steps of removing the reactor vessel head and upper internals to a storage location and installing a cylindrical tank having open upper and lower ends, on the reactor vessel flange. The cylindrical tank is sealed to the reactor vessel and a penetration on the side of the cylindrical tank is sealed to a refueling canal that is connected to a spent fuel pool. The level of reactor coolant within the reactor vessel is then raised to at least partially fill the cylindrical tank to a level equal to that of the spent fuel pool. The refueling canal is then opened and a refueling machine supported on the reactor vessel is employed to transfer fuel assemblies between the core and the spent fuel pool.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.