Patent · US Active

Control rod/control rod drive mechanism couplings

US10600518B2 · kind B2 · utility

2Cited by
37References
9Claims
0Family size

Assignees

Inventors

Key dates

Filing dateMay 9, 2016
Grant dateMar 24, 2020
Priority date
Expiry dateMar 31, 2038

Classification

  • Technology area (CPC Y)Emerging Cross-Sectional Technologies
  • CPC primaryY02E30/30
  • WIPO fieldEngines, pumps, turbines
  • WIPO sectorMechanical engineering

Abstract

A nuclear reactor includes a pressure vessel, and a control rod assembly including at least one movable control rod comprising a neutron absorbing material, a control rod drive mechanism (CRDM) for controlling movement of the at least one control rod, and a coupling operatively connecting the at least one control rod and the CRDM. The coupling includes a first portion comprising a first material having a first density at room temperature, and a second portion comprising a second material having a second density at room temperature that is greater than the first density. In some embodiments the coupling includes a connecting rod including a hollow or partially hollow connecting rod tube comprising a first material having a first density and a filler disposed in the hollow or partially hollow connecting rod tube, the filler comprising a second material having a second density greater than the first density.

Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.