IMPROVEMENTS RELATING TO MECHANICAL DRIVE SYSTEMS FOR CONTROL RODS IN NUCLEAR REACTORS

Patent · Mon Nov 13 04:00:00 EST 1961

OSTI ID:4730270

A mechanical drive system for control rods in nuclear reactors, especially gas cooled reactors, comprises a system for transmission of power between a motor with reciprocating movement and a control rod. This transmission system transforms the reciprocating movement of the motor into a discontinuous rotary movement in the two orientations of rotation for the displacement of the control rod. Preferably the motor with reciprocating movement includes pneumatic drive means responsive to the difference of the pressure in the reactor pressure vessel and an auxiliary gas pressure. The transmission system comprises two planetary gear trains each having planet gears engaging with a rotary drum; the planet carrier of one of the gears is driven by a rack following the reciprocating movement of the motor. Two brakes are adapted to lock alternately the rotation of one wheel of each of the gear trains respectively, so that the rotary drum is alternately driven by one of the two planet gears. For choosing the orientation of rotntion of the drum, the phase relation of the locking cycle to the reciprocating movement is chosen in an appropriate manner. In the case of danger both the two wheels are unlocked, so that the drum may freely rotate and the control rod shuts down into the reactor. (IIB)

• Research Organization: Originating Research Org. not identified
• NSA Number: NSA-17-009992
• OSTI ID: 4730270
• Report Number(s): FR 1279476
• Country of Publication: France
• Language: English

Related Subjects

CONTROL ELEMENTS
GAS COOLANT
GASES
MECHANICAL STRUCTURES
MOTION
MOTORS
PLANNING
PNEUMATICS
PRESSURE
REACTOR SAFETY
REACTOR TECHNOLOGY
REACTORS
RODS
ROTATION
SERVOMECHANISMS
SHUTDOWN