Self-actuating reactor-shutdown system. [LMFBR]

Patent · Thu Jun 04 04:00:00 EDT 1981

OSTI ID:5275616

Barrus, D. M.; Brummond, W. A.; Peterson, L. F.

A control system for the automatic or self-actuated shutdown or scram of a nuclear reactor is described. The system is capable of initiating scram insertion by a signal from the plant protection system or by independent action directly sensing reactor conditions of low-flow or over-power. Self-actuation due to a loss of reactor coolant flow results from a decrease of pressure differential between the upper and lower ends of an absorber element. When the force due to this differential falls below the weight of the element, the element will fall by gravitational force to scram the reactor. Self-actuation due to high neutron flux is accomplished via a valve controlled by an electromagnet and a thermionic diode. In a reactor over-power, the diode will be heated to a change of state causing the electromagnet to be shorted thereby actuating the valve which provides the changed flow and pressure conditions required for scramming the absorber element.

• DOE Contract Number: AT03-76SF71032
• Assignee: Dept. of Energy
• Patent Number(s): None
• Application Number: ON: DE82011752
• OSTI ID: 5275616
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

Related Subjects

21 SPECIFIC NUCLEAR REACTORS AND ASSOCIATED PLANTS
210500 -- Power Reactors
Breeding
22 GENERAL STUDIES OF NUCLEAR REACTORS
220400* -- Nuclear Reactor Technology-- Control Systems
ACTUATORS
BREEDER REACTORS
CONTROL ELEMENTS
ENGINEERED SAFETY SYSTEMS
EPITHERMAL REACTORS
FAST REACTORS
FBR TYPE REACTORS
LIQUID METAL COOLED REACTORS
LMFBR TYPE REACTORS
REACTOR COMPONENTS
REACTOR PROTECTION SYSTEMS
REACTOR SHUTDOWN
REACTORS
SCRAM RODS
SHUTDOWNS