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NUCLEAR SUPERHEATER FOR BOILING WATER REACTOR

Patent ·
OSTI ID:4780942

A description is given of a boiling water reactor having a superheating region integral with the core. The core consists essentially of an annular boiling region surrounding an inner superheating region. Both regions contain fuel elements and are separated by a cylindrical wall, perforations being provided in the lower portion of the cylindrical wall to permit circulation of a common water moderator between the two regions. The superheater region comprises a plurality of tubular fuel assemblies through which the steam emanating from the boiling region passes to the steam outlet. Each superheater fuel assembly has an outer double-walled cylinder, the double walls being concentrically spaced and connected together at their upper ends but open at the bottom to provide for differential thermal expansion of the inner and outer walls. Gas is entrapped in the annulus between the walls which acts as an insulating space between the fissionable material inside and the moderator outside. (AEC)

Research Organization:
Originating Research Org. not identified
NSA Number:
NSA-16-017304
Assignee:
U.S. Atomic Energy Commission
Patent Number(s):
US 3034977
OSTI ID:
4780942
Country of Publication:
United States
Language:
English