Patent · US Expired

Nuclear reactor

US5087412A · kind A · utility

5Cited by
14References
5Claims
0Family size

Assignee

Inventors

Key dates

Filing dateSep 15, 1989
Grant dateFeb 11, 1992
Priority date
Expiry dateSep 15, 2009

Classification

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

Abstract

A nuclear reactor using gas as a primary coolant and a liquid as a moderator and/or reflector. Gas coolant flows through inlet passages around the outlet plenum to a distributor plate. The gas is directed between fuel element housing thimbles and fuel elements therein, through the fuel elements, and into the reactor outlet plenum. Fins on the thimble housings conduct heat to the gas from a liquid moderator circulating in the core. The use of a liquid moderator enhances safety, allows the fissile material and reactor mass to be reduced and eliminates problems associated with cooling of a solid moderator.

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