Nuclear fuel assembly with an integrated passive safety device
US5333156A · kind A · utility
Assignee
Inventor
Key dates
| Filing date | Oct 26, 1992 |
| Grant date | Jul 26, 1994 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Oct 26, 2012 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC Y)Emerging Cross-Sectional Technologies
- CPC primaryY02E30/30
- WIPO fieldEngines, pumps, turbines
- WIPO sectorMechanical engineering
Abstract
Certain of the nuclear fuel assemblies contained in a fast neutron nuclear reactor core have an integrated passive safety device. More specifically, said device is constituted by an annular block (48) forming at least the lower part of the upper neutron protection (42) of the assembly. The block (48) is formed by elements (50) of a neutron-absorbing material, embedded in a matrix (52) meltable at a temperature above the temperature of the sodium during the normal operation of the reactor. A perforated, inner envelope (54) mechanically secures the block (48), whilst enabling the elements (50) to drop in the assembly following the melting of the matrix (52).
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.