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

IMPROVEMENTS RELATING TO NUCLEAR REACTORS

Patent ·
OSTI ID:4804307

For the fast shutdown of a nuclear reactor, an apparatus is provided able to cause neutron absorbing balls to fall into the core space of a nuclear reactor and able then to recover these balls. Preferably, this apparatus comprises an upper vertical tube reaching down from the upper shield at the top of the reactor to a point near the top of the reactor core and a lower tubular container closed at the bottom and able to slide with a flange at its upper end inside the former tube. In its lowest position, the container tube is situated inside the core and in case of danger may receive the balls from a feeding box positioned at the upper end of the vertical tube. The release of the balls from the box is effected by appropriate valve means. At the bottom of the tubular container one end of a chain is fixed; this chain may be wound up by a pulley situated alongside the said feeding box in order to lift the container tube into an upper position out of the reactor core. When the container is in this position, the balls are blown back into the feeding box by pneumatic means. (NPO)

Research Organization:
Originating Research Org. not identified
NSA Number:
NSA-16-006203
OSTI ID:
4804307
Report Number(s):
FR 1240419
Country of Publication:
France
Language:
English