Device for retaining a hot melt in particular a core melt-through inside the spreading chamber of a nuclear reactor installation

US6192097A · kind A · utility

Assignee

• Siemens Aktiengesellschaft · DE

Inventors

• Gerhard Hau · Albstadt, DE
• Lothar Wistuba · Herzogenaurach, DE
• Josef Hollmann · Schlüsselfeld, DE
• Manfred Fischer · Leichlingen, DE

Key dates

• Filing date: May 22, 1996
• Grant date: Feb 20, 2001
• Expiry date: May 22, 2016

Classification

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

Abstract

A retaining device has a multi-layer protective cladding for protecting the bearing and containment structure of a spreading chamber for the controlled spread and cooling of a melt from a nuclear reactor pressure vessel. The spreading chamber is configured under the spreading concept, i.e. the melt spreads and cools therein. The protective cladding has at least two layers: an outer sacrificial layer acts as a thermal shock barrier and melting substance; a protective and insulating layer, disposed inside the sacrificial layer and protecting the underlying bearing and containment structure, acts as thermal protection layer and retaining layer for the hot melt. The protective and insulating layer includes a first partial layer of fireproof concrete adjacent the bearing and containment structure, and a second partial layer of temperature-resistant ceramic blocks, in particular ZrO.sub.2 adjacent the sacrificial layer.