Intermixing feedwater sparger nozzles and methods for using the same in nuclear reactors

US12062459B2 · kind B2 · utility

Assignee

• GE-Hitachi Nuclear Energy Americas LLC · US

Inventors

• Eric P. Loewen · Wilmington, US
• James P. Sineath · Summerville, US
• Dean D. Molinaro · Atlanta, US
• William C. Dawn · Ramoth, US
• Robin D. Sprague · Wilmington, US
• Theron D. Marshall · Wilmington, US
• Joel Patrick Melito · Wilmington, US

Key dates

• Filing date: Feb 18, 2020
• Grant date: Aug 13, 2024
• Expiry date: Feb 18, 2040

Classification

• Technology area (CPC Y): Emerging Cross-Sectional Technologies
• CPC primary: Y02E30/30
• WIPO field: Engines, pumps, turbines
• WIPO sector: Mechanical engineering

Abstract

Nozzles mix coolant from different sources together in an outlet to prevent differences in coolant output. Different flow path configurations are useable in the nozzle, including a multiple-path configuration with flows from different sources jacketed or concentrically arranged around flows from other sources. Swirl vanes may be installed in the nozzle to impart mixing or filtering the fluid flow. Diffusers may be used to passively suction or accelerate flow and mixing the same like a jet pump. Nozzles can be combined with filtration systems like trap filters that capture debris based on a momentum difference between the denser debris and fluid. Filters can use magnetic, adhesive, or porous materials to capture debris without blocking a flow path. Filters can be disengaged, such as when clogged, such that coolant flows around the system. Nozzles can be installed on feedwater sparger assemblies in varying manner to distribute coolant from multiple nozzles.