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U.S. Department of Energy
Office of Scientific and Technical Information

NUCLEAR REACTORS

Patent ·
OSTI ID:4121690

The reactor considered operates on the principle of extended periods of fuel burn-up between charge and discharge and has no charge-discharge machine permanently in position. Access tubes extending through the pressure vessel and shielding contain a shield plug in each access tube. The shield plug associated with each fuel-element channel is connected to the fuel-element train in such a manner that withdrawal of the shield plug causes partial withdrawal of the fuel- element train from the reactor. Withdrawal may be effected by pressure-operated means associated with a cap connectable to and forming an extension of the access tube. The extension contains a slidable piston that operates to withdraw the shield plug and a locking mechanism to hold the plug in its partially withdrawn position. In this position the fuel elements are contained partly within the neutron shield and partly within the corresponding access tube and its extended portion. Provision is made for maintaining coolant flow over the partly withdrawn fuel elements. (A.G.W.)

Research Organization:
Originating Research Org. not identified
NSA Number:
NSA-18-006468
Assignee:
United Kingdom Atomic Energy Authority
Patent Number(s):
US 3105032
OSTI ID:
4121690
Country of Publication:
United States
Language:
English