Passive air cooling of liquid metal-cooled reactor with double vessel leak accommodation capability
A passive and inherent shutdown heat removal method with a backup air flow path which allows decay heat removal following a postulated double vessel leak event in a liquid metal-cooled nuclear reactor is disclosed. The improved reactor design incorporates the following features: (1) isolation capability of the reactor cavity environment in the event that simultaneous leaks develop in both the reactor and containment vessels; (2) a reactor silo liner tank which insulates the concrete silo from the leaked sodium, thereby preserving the silo`s structural integrity; and (3) a second, independent air cooling flow path via tubes submerged in the leaked sodium which will maintain shutdown heat removal after the normal flow path has been isolated. 5 figures.
- Research Organization:
- General Electric Co., Boston, MA (United States)
- DOE Contract Number:
- AC03-89SF17445
- Assignee:
- General Electric Co., San Jose, CA (United States)
- Patent Number(s):
- US 5,406,602/A/
- Application Number:
- PAN: 8-228,527
- OSTI ID:
- 35067
- Resource Relation:
- Other Information: PBD: 11 Apr 1995
- Country of Publication:
- United States
- Language:
- English
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