IMPROVEMENTS IN OR RELATING TO COOLING SYSTEMS FOR NUCLEAR REACTORS

Patent · Thu Sep 01 04:00:00 EDT 1960

OSTI ID:4129429

Fawcett, S

A means of improving reactor cooling systems is outlined in which the moderator structure, in addition to fuel channels, has vacant channels with throttling means for producing a temperature rise larger than that through the fuel channels. The advantage of this rise difference is that the moderator near the fuel is at a low temperature so that the neutron energies are kept low while the moderator remote from the fuel is at a higher temperature, thereby reducing neutron absorption. One concrete example of such a cooling arrangement is discussed in which N/sub 2/ coolant issuing from the fuel and vacant channels is at 400 and 470 deg C, respectively, giving a resultant temperature of 450 deg C on mixing. When zirconium tubes are used in the fuel channels to furnish re- entrant cooling. the tubes are not subjected to temperatures above 400 deg C where reaction with N/sub 2/ may occur while a working gas at 450 deg C is obtained. (D.L.C.)

• Research Organization: Originating Research Org. not identified
• NSA Number: NSA-14-026429
• OSTI ID: 4129429
• Report Number(s): GB 847123
• Country of Publication: United Kingdom
• Language: English

Related Subjects

ABSORPTION
CONFIGURATION
COOLANT LOOPS
COOLING
ENERGY
FUEL CANS
GAS COOLANT
GAS FLOW
HIGH TEMPERATURE
LOW TEMPERATURE
MIXING
MODERATORS
NEUTRONS
NITROGEN
PATENT
REACTOR TECHNOLOGY
REACTORS
TEMPERATURE
VARIATIONS
ZIRCONIUM