Method and apparatus for removing radioactive gases from a nuclear reactor

Patent · Wed Oct 01 04:00:00 EDT 1975

OSTI ID:4075085

Frumerman, R; Brown, W W

A description is given of a method for removing radioactive gases from a nuclear reactor including the steps of draining coolant from a nuclear reactor to a level just below the coolant inlet and outlet nozzles to form a vapor space and then charging the space with an inert gas, circulating coolant through the reactor to assist the release of radioactive gases from the coolant into the vapor space, withdrawing the radioactive gases from the vapor space by a vacuum pump which then condenses and separates water from gases carried forward by the vacuum pump, discharging the water to a storage tank and supplying the separated gases to a gas compressor which pumps the gases to gas decay tanks. After the gases in the decay tanks lose their radioactive characteristics, the gases may be discharged to the atmosphere or returned to the reactor for further use. (Official Gazette)

• Research Organization: Originating Research Org. not identified
• NSA Number: NSA-33-021998
• Assignee: to Westinghouse Electric Corp.
• Patent Number(s): US 3910817
• OSTI ID: 4075085
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

Related Subjects

*PRIMARY COOLANT CIRCUITS-- DECONTAMINATION
*PWR TYPE REACTORS-- PRIMARY COOLANT CIRCUITS
210100* --Nuclear Power Plants--Power Reactors
Non- Breeding
Light-Water Moderated
Boiling Water Cooled
GASES
N77100* --Reactors--Power Reactors
Non-breeding
Light- water Moderated
Boiling Water-cooled
RADIOACTIVE MATERIALS