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Title: METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR EARTH PENETRATION

Abstract

A nuclear reactor apparatus for penetrating into the earth's crust is described. The apparatus comprises a cylindrical nuclear core operating at a temperature that is higher than the melting temperature of rock. A high-density ballast member is coupled to the nuclear core such that the overall density of the core-ballast assembly is greater than the density of molten rock. The nuclear core is thermally insulated so that its heat output is constrained to flow axially, with radial heat flow being minimized. In operation, the apparatus is placed in contact with the earth's crust at the point desired to be penetrated. The heat output of the reactor melts the underlying rock, and the apparatus sinks through the resulting magma. The fuel loading of the reactor core determines the ultimate depth of crust penetration. (AEC)

Inventors:
Publication Date:
Research Org.:
Originating Research Org. not identified
OSTI Identifier:
4129016
Patent Number(s):
US 3115194
Assignee:
U. S. Atomic Energy Commission
NSA Number:
NSA-18-004011
Resource Type:
Patent
Resource Relation:
Other Information: Orig. Receipt Date: 31-DEC-64
Country of Publication:
United States
Language:
English
Subject:
GEOLOGY AND MINERALOGY; BARRIERS; EARTH; EARTH CRUST; HIGH TEMPERATURE; LIQUIDS; MECHANICS; REACTOR CORE; REACTORS; ROCKS; WELL LOGGING

Citation Formats

Adams, W M. METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR EARTH PENETRATION. United States: N. p., 1963. Web.
Adams, W M. METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR EARTH PENETRATION. United States.
Adams, W M. 1963. "METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR EARTH PENETRATION". United States.
@article{osti_4129016,
title = {METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR EARTH PENETRATION},
author = {Adams, W M},
abstractNote = {A nuclear reactor apparatus for penetrating into the earth's crust is described. The apparatus comprises a cylindrical nuclear core operating at a temperature that is higher than the melting temperature of rock. A high-density ballast member is coupled to the nuclear core such that the overall density of the core-ballast assembly is greater than the density of molten rock. The nuclear core is thermally insulated so that its heat output is constrained to flow axially, with radial heat flow being minimized. In operation, the apparatus is placed in contact with the earth's crust at the point desired to be penetrated. The heat output of the reactor melts the underlying rock, and the apparatus sinks through the resulting magma. The fuel loading of the reactor core determines the ultimate depth of crust penetration. (AEC)},
doi = {},
url = {https://www.osti.gov/biblio/4129016}, journal = {},
number = ,
volume = ,
place = {United States},
year = {Tue Dec 24 00:00:00 EST 1963},
month = {Tue Dec 24 00:00:00 EST 1963}
}