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

Nuclear reactor control element drive

Patent ·
OSTI ID:4332432

The drive described is of rack and pinion type, with an electromagnet for engaging and disengaging the rack and pinion, the electromagnet being arranged coaxially with the axis of the rack. The pinion is driven by an electric motor through speed reducing gearing. A swinging balance arm carries the pinion, one end of this arm being mounted on a gearing shaft, and the arm being connected to the core of the electromagnet so that it can be caused to swing to engage or disengage the rack and pinion. Connection of the arm to the core is by means of at least one articulated rod set at an acute angle to the axis of the rack. This arrangement simplifies the design of the drive, reduces its lateral dimensions, and reduces the time elapsing from receipt of a signal for movement of the element in the reactor and the beginning of its movement, both under normal operation and emergency conditions. Servicing is simple and capital cost is reduced. (UK)

Research Organization:
Originating Research Org. not identified
NSA Number:
NSA-29-020307
OSTI ID:
4332432
Report Number(s):
GB 1328937
Country of Publication:
United Kingdom
Language:
English