Modular radial neutron reflector
US4849162A · kind A · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Nov 13, 1984 |
| Grant date | Jul 18, 1989 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Nov 13, 2004 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC Y)Emerging Cross-Sectional Technologies
- CPC primaryY02E30/30
- WIPO fieldEngines, pumps, turbines
- WIPO sectorMechanical engineering
Abstract
Modular neutron reflector assemblies removably insertable into the irregular space in a nuclear reactor between a generally cylindrical array of square fuel assemblies comprising the core and the cylindrical core barrel surrounding the core, include an elongated enclosure having a strongback adjacent the core barrel and flat plates adjacent the fuel assemblies. The strongback is thicker than the steel plates by an amount which results in the strongback and plates reaching approximately the same temperature to minimize thermal stresses despite the 8 to 20 times greater nuclear heating at the core side of the enclosure as opposed to that at the core barrel side. The enclosure is suspended by a single point mounting on the core barrel which permits vertical, radial, and circumferential expansion but a pin depending from the lower end of the enclosure slides in a vertical bore in the reactor lower core support plate to limit lateral movement while allowing unrestrained vertical expansion and contraction. A separately removable reflector unit in each enclosure comprises a bundle of closely packed stainless steel circular rods with smaller diameter rods inserted in the interstices betwee…
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.