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

IMPROVEMENTS IN OR RELATING TO NUCLEAR REACTORS

Patent ·
OSTI ID:4159720

A loading machine for discharging and cbarging fuel elements is described for gas-cooled graphite-moderated reactors. Such processes take place from the underside of the core. Advantages of loading under the core include nondisturbance of the moderator, operation of the machine in a cool region (if the coolant flows upward), and separation of the machine from servicing mechanisms on the top. The machine is designed so that the entire contents of a channel can be discharged in one operation, a column of fuel elements can be rearranged by means of a chain conveyer, a group of 30 or 40 channels can be served through a single standpipe, and the power means can be stored within an auxiliary vessel outside the biological shield. A particular configuration of this machine is presented for a CO/sub 2/-cooled, graphite-moderated reactor with 3000 vertical channels, each of which accommodates 10 fuel elements. (D.L.C.)

Research Organization:
Originating Research Org. not identified
NSA Number:
NSA-14-023731
OSTI ID:
4159720
Report Number(s):
GB 844764
Country of Publication:
United Kingdom
Language:
English