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U.S. Department of Energy
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Nuclear energy system using pelletized fuel in a boiling liquid reactor

Patent ·
OSTI ID:5192869

This paper discusses a system for producing a superheated vapor by employing a nuclear fission reaction in a reactor containing pelletized fuel. The reactor being a closed pressure vessel partially filled with a reaction medium including a coolant liquid and the pelletized fuel dispersed therein, two or more nuclear reaction control rods adjustably positioned in the medium, means for continuously introducing pellets of fuel into the reaction medium and means for continuously removing pellets of spent fuel from the reaction medium; means for introducing the coolant liquid into the reactor, and means for removing super-heated vapor of the coolant liquid from the reaction medium. The pellets of fuel comprising substantially spherical pellets containing a core of porous graphite encased in a high melting point matrix having dispersed therein tiny pellets of a mixture of graphite and nuclear fissionable material, and a substantially spherical coating over the matrix of a metallic alloy having a melting point above about 4000{degrees}F.

Assignee:
NOV; EDB-91-151271; NOV-91-015311
Patent Number(s):
A; US 4976913
Application Number:
PPN: US 7-342125
OSTI ID:
5192869
Country of Publication:
United States
Language:
English