Meltable and reclosable drain plug for molten salt reactor
US6799595B1 · kind B1 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Mar 6, 2003 |
| Grant date | Oct 5, 2004 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Mar 6, 2023 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC Y)Emerging Cross-Sectional Technologies
- CPC primaryY10T137/86372
- WIPO fieldMechanical elements
- WIPO sectorMechanical engineering
Abstract
An apparatus and method for selectively draining melt material, such as molten salt, utilizes an unobstructed drain conduit detachably connected, as by screw threads, to a vessel containing the material. Two heaters are utilized for the conduit, a drain heater at the vessel and a plugging heater spaced from the vessel. The conduit is placed at the plugging heater and partially filled with a predetermined quantity of plugging material in flowable form. The plugging material is, typically, the same salt in particulate form and is retained in the conduit by any suitable closure. The plugging heater is energized to melt the plugging material and is then de-energized so that a solid plug of this material forms in the conduit. The conduit, including the plug, is removed from the closure and the plugging heater and is connected to the vessel when the drain heater is de-energized and when the vessel does not contain molten melt material, as when the vessel is empty or this material is solidified. The molten material is then established in the vessel with limited heat transfer to the conduit so that the plug does not melt. When the melt material is to be drained, the drain heater is energiz…
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.