Nuclear reactor with a core melt propagation space provided with a coolant conduit leading to a coolant reservoir

US5930319A · kind A · utility

Assignee

• Siemens Aktiengesellschaft · DE

Inventors

• Lothar Wistuba · Herzogenaurach, DE
• Gerhard Hau · Albstadt, DE
• Dietmar Bittermann
• Horst Weisshaupl · Herzogenaurach, DE

Key dates

• Filing date: Dec 29, 1997
• Grant date: Jul 27, 1999
• Expiry date: Dec 29, 2017

Classification

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

Abstract

A nuclear reactor includes a propagation space for core melt. The propagation space has a coolant conduit leading to a coolant reservoir and a device which opens in a temperature-dependent manner. The coolant conduit in the propagation space is a spray conduit having a spraying area which covers the cross-section of the propagation space over a large area. The device is controlled in such a way that it opens when the core melt enters the propagation space. Spraying gives rise to a crust on the core melt which reduces heat radiation. At the same time, the propagation space fills with a steam atmosphere which drastically reduces the thermal load on building structures.