Chimney for enhancing flow of coolant water in natural circulation boiling water reactor

Patent · Tue Jan 05 04:00:00 EST 1999

OSTI ID:321314

Oosterkamp, W J; Marquino, W

A chimney which can be reconfigured or removed during refueling to allow vertical removal of the fuel assemblies is disclosed. The chimney is designed to be collapsed or dismantled. Collapse or dismantlement of the chimney reduces the volume required for chimney storage during the refueling operation. Alternatively, the chimney has movable parts which allow reconfiguration of its structure. In a first configuration suitable for normal reactor operation, the chimney is radially constricted such that the chimney obstructs vertical removal of the fuel assemblies. In a second configuration suitable for refueling or maintenance of the fuel core, the parts of the chimney which obstruct access to the fuel assemblies are moved radially outward to positions whereas access to the fuel assemblies is not obstructed. 11 figs.

• Research Organization: General Electric Co
• Sponsoring Organization: USDOE, Washington, DC (United States)
• DOE Contract Number: AC03-90SF18494
• Assignee: General Electric Co., San Jose, CA (United States)
• Patent Number(s): US 5,857,006/A/
• Application Number: PAN: 8-347,621
• OSTI ID: 321314
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

Related Subjects

21 SPECIFIC NUCLEAR REACTORS AND ASSOCIATED PLANTS
AUGMENTATION
BWR TYPE REACTORS
DESIGN
MECHANICAL STRUCTURES
NATURAL CONVECTION
PRIMARY COOLANT CIRCUITS
REACTOR FUELING