DEVICE FOR DISSIPATING THE ENERGY OF A FALLING BODY IN A NUCLEAR REACTOR

Patent · Mon Jan 28 04:00:00 EST 1963

OSTI ID:4022734

Devices for dissipating the energy of a falling body (fuel element or control rod) within vertical reactor channels are discussed. If there is a rising coolant flow within the channel, it may be necessary to lock the device in the reactor channel. A device was designed with locking means which lock with the reactor structure only by elastic deformation while unlocking is performed by a plastic deformation of the locking means. It may consist of a tubular piece adapted to be deformed by the falling body in order to dissipate the kinetic energy of the latter and an annular support resting on an annular shoulder fixed to the lower extremity of the reactor channel. On the annular support a series of hook-shaped stainless steel bands adapted to engage the shoulder are mounted. For locking, the device is lowered until the hooks touch the shoulder and then lowered further urging the hooks to deform elastically against the axis of the device until they may engage the shoulder. For removal an appropriate handling tool is coupled with the device. By applying sufficient traction on the tool the hooks are submitted to a plastic deformation until the device may freely be removed from the channel. (IIB)

• Research Organization: Originating Research Org. not identified
• NSA Number: NSA-18-019305
• OSTI ID: 4022734
• Report Number(s): FR 1320454
• Country of Publication: France
• Language: English

Related Subjects

CONTROL ELEMENTS
COOLANTS
DEFORMATION
ELASTICITY
ENERGY
FLUID FLOW
FUEL ELEMENTS
MACHINE PARTS
MECHANICAL STRUCTURES
PLANNING
REACTOR TECHNOLOGY
REACTORS
REMOTE HANDLING
RODS
STAINLESS STEELS
TOOLS
TUBES