MEANS FOR SHIELDING AND COOLING REACTORS

Patent · Tue Feb 10 00:00:00 EST 1959

OSTI ID:4261844

Wigner, E P; Ohlinger, L A; Young, G J; Weinberg, A M

Reactors of the water-cooled type and a means for shielding such a rcactor to protect operating personnel from harmful radiation are discussed. In this reactor coolant tubes which contain the fissionable material extend vertically through a mass of moderator. Liquid coolant enters through the bottom of the coolant tubes and passes upwardly over the fissionable material. A shield tank is disposed over the top of the reactor and communicates through its bottom with the upper end of the coolant tubes. A hydrocarbon shielding fluid floats on the coolant within the shield tank. With this arrangements the upper face of the reactor can be opened to the atmosphere through the two superimposed liquid layers. A principal feature of the invention is that in the event radioactive fission products enter thc coolant stream. imposed layer of hydrocarbon reduces the intense radioactivity introduced into the layer over the reactors and permits removal of the offending fuel material by personnel shielded by the uncontaminated hydrocarbon layer.

• Research Organization: Originating Research Org. not identified
• NSA Number: NSA-13-014042
• Assignee: U.S. Atomic Energy Commission
• Patent Number(s): US 2873243
• OSTI ID: 4261844
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

Related Subjects

BURNOUT
CONFIGURATION
CONTAMINATION
COOLANT LOOPS
FUEL ELEMENTS
HYDROCARBONS
LAYERS
PERSONNEL
RADIATION PROTECTION
RADIOACTIVITY
REACTOR FUELING
REACTORS
SHIELDING
VESSELS
WATER COOLANT