GRAPHITE MODERATED GAS COOLED NUCLEAR REACTOR

Patent · Mon Jul 04 04:00:00 EDT 1960

OSTI ID:4795946

A gas-cooled nuclear reactor has a moderator structure comprising a plurality of graphite blocks arranged in vertical stacks and horizontal layers and having a compensated zone, in which compensation is made for Wigner growth, and an uncompensated zone extending annularly around the compensated zone at least in the upper part of the reactor. The relative dimensions of the compensated and uncompensated zones in successive horizontal layers is such that the over-all increase in the horizontal dimension due to Wigner growth increases substantially progressively in successive lower layers of the graphite blocks. Preferably the horizontal dimension of the uncompensated zone is a maximum at the top of the core and is reduced progressively, or in progressive steps, to a position about midway down the reactor where it ceases. Suitably in the compensated zone, the graphite blocks have a vertical grain and are spaced apart horizontally along two mutually perpendicular directions to allow for Wigner growth and are located along said directions by slabs arranged in pairs and interposed in the stacks, said slabs having grain orientation permitting small clearance from adjacent stocks along said two directions respectively. In the uncompensated zone, the blocks are the same as in the compensated zone but the said pairs of slabs are replaced by single slabs in which the grain is vertical. (NPO)

• Research Organization: Originating Research Org. not identified
• NSA Number: NSA-16-015813
• OSTI ID: 4795946
• Report Number(s): FR 1225654
• Country of Publication: France
• Language: English

Related Subjects

CONFIGURATION
DEFORMATION
GAS COOLANT
GRAIN SIZE
GRAPHITE MODERATOR
LAYERS
MECHANICAL STRUCTURES
PATENT
REACTOR TECHNOLOGY
REACTORS
WIGNER EFFECT
ZONES