RELIEF DEVICE FOR DISCHARGING VERTICAL FUEL CHANNELS FROM THE BOTTOM OF A NUCLEAR REACTOR

Patent · Tue Jun 28 04:00:00 EDT 1960

OSTI ID:4804344

It has been shown that, in a nuclear reactor, having vertical channels and being generally charged and discharged from the top, the fuel elements may become jammed in the channel during a reactor incident. A relief device is described for ensuring that the fuel elements can be discharged from the bottom of the reactor. This device comprises a first permanent support attached to the lower end of each channel and not interfering with the free passage of the channel, and a second, spline-shaped support piece locked in place in the said first support and supporting the load of the fuel elements in the channel. This second support piece comprises at least one zone of lower mechanical resistance, so that remotely controlled shears can cut through it in order to give free passage for the fuel elements. The locking means may be spring loaded balls located in protruding lugs, the balls resting against shoulders provided in the permanent support. (NPO)

• Research Organization: Originating Research Org. not identified
• NSA Number: NSA-16-006159
• OSTI ID: 4804344
• Report Number(s): FR 1224960
• Country of Publication: France
• Language: English

Related Subjects

CONFIGURATION
DEFORMATION
EXPANSION
FAILURES
FUEL ELEMENTS
HIGH TEMPERATURE
MACHINE PARTS
MECHANICAL PROPERTIES
MECHANICAL STRUCTURES
PATENT
PLANNING
REACTOR CORE
REACTOR FUELING
REACTOR TECHNOLOGY
REACTORS
REMOTE CONTROL
REMOTE HANDLING
RODS
SERVOMECHANISMS
SPRINGS
THERMAL STRESSES