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Title: GAS-COOLED NUCLEAR REACTOR

Patent ·
OSTI ID:4792188

A power plant comprising a gas-cooled nuclear reactor is described in detail. The reactor is charged with refractory fuel elements and incorporates an active portion comprising a mass of solid refractory moderator having a multiplicity of ccolant channels passing vertically through it. The fuel elements enclosing the fuel-bearing masses are suspended in said channels, said fuel bearing masses containing 1 to 4% by weight U/sup 235/. Preferably, said channels are arranged in a geometric lattice having a lattice spacing ranging from 5 to 12 in., while the principal fuel constituent of said fuel-bearing masses is UO/sub 2/, the coolant being helium and the moderator is graphite. Suitably, each of said channels is provided with two longitudinal guiding recesses equally spaced around the periphery of said channel. Each of a multiplicity of fuel hangers, each supporting a plurality of parallel vertically disposed elongated fuel elements, is provided with two protruding members adapted to engage and slide within said longitudinal recesses. Locking means are provided comprising two partially circumferential recesses, each of which is in communication with one of said longitudinal recesses, and in which said protruding members may be engaged on rotation of said fuel hangars and in this way fixing them at a suitable place in the channel. (NPO)

Research Organization:
Originating Research Org. not identified
NSA Number:
NSA-16-015818
OSTI ID:
4792188
Report Number(s):
FR 1229842
Resource Relation:
Other Information: Orig. Receipt Date: 31-DEC-62
Country of Publication:
France
Language:
English