Reactor core melt containment receptacle

US4003785A · kind A · utility

Assignee

• Siemens Aktiengesellschaft · DE

Inventors

• Peter Rau · Leutenbach, DE
• Kevin Hunt

Key dates

• Filing date: Apr 19, 1974
• Grant date: Jan 18, 1977
• Expiry date: Apr 19, 1994

Classification

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

Abstract

A reactor core melt containment receptacle for use beneath a reactor core so that if the core overheats and melts and falls, the resulting core melt is contained by the receptacle, the latter having a bottom wall and an upstanding side wall, the latter being high enough so that the melt forms a melt level below its top. These walls are water-cooled to cool a melt in contact therewith. In addition, the receptacle has water-cooled elements extending upwardly from the bottom wall to above the melt level and spaced from the side wall. In this way heat is removed from the core melt both internally within the melt as well as via the receptacle bottom and side walls. The water-cooled elements extending above the melt level, absorb the heat radiated from the top surface of the melt, upward heat radiation being further reduced by transverse heat shields connected to the tops of the elements. Other features are included.