PUSH-PULL POWER REACTOR

Patent · Tue Feb 24 04:00:00 EST 1959

OSTI ID:4242625

Froman, D K

Power generating nuclear reactors of the homogeneous liquid fuel type are discussed. The apparatus utilizes two identical reactors interconnected by conduits through heat exchanging apparatus. Each reactor contains a critical geometry region and a vapor region separated from the critical region by a baffle. When the liquid in the first critical region becomes critical, the vapor pressure above the fuel is increased due to the rise in the temperature until it forces the liquid fuel out of the first critical region through the heat exchanger and into the second critical region, which is at a lower temperature and consequently a lower vapor pressure. The above reaction is repeated in the second critical region and the liquid fuel is forced back into the first critical region. In this manner criticality is achieved alternately in each critical region and power is extracted by the heat exchanger from the liquid fuel passing therethrough. The vapor region and the heat exchanger have a non-critical geometry and reactivity control is effected by conventional control rods in the critical regions.

• Research Organization: Originating Research Org. not identified
• NSA Number: NSA-13-015816
• Assignee: U.S. Atomic Energy Commission
• Patent Number(s): US 2875143
• OSTI ID: 4242625
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

Related Subjects

CONFIGURATION
CONTROL
CONTROL ELEMENTS
CRITICALITY
FINS
FUEL SOLUTIONS
HEAT EXCHANGERS
HOMOGENEOUS REACTORS
JOINTS
LIQUIDS
MECHANICAL STRUCTURES
POWER PLANTS
PRESSURE
REACTIVITY
REACTORS
RODS
TEMPERATURE
VAPORS
ZONES