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U.S. Department of Energy
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BWR turbopump recirculation system

Patent ·
OSTI ID:5461369
This paper describes a recirculation system for driving reactor coolant water in an annular downcomer defined between a boiling water nuclear reactor vessel and a core shroud spaced radially inwardly therefrom. It comprises: means for supplying feedwater to the vessel; and a turbopump disposed inside the downcomer and including: a stationary axle; inlet guide vanes fixedly joined to an upstream end of the axle for receiving the coolant water from the downcomer; a pump impeller rotatably joined to the axle and having an inlet end for receiving the coolant water, and an outlet end for discharging the coolant water at an increased pressure; outlet guide vanes fixedly joined to a down-stream end of the axle for channeling the discharged coolant water back into the downcomer; an annular plenum surrounding the impeller and joined to the feedwater supplying means for receiving the feedwater; circumferentially spaced turbine blades fixedly joined to the impeller and disposed in flow communication with the plenum for receiving the feedwater for rotating the impeller for driving the coolant water; and means for lubricating the impeller solely by the feedwater upon rotation of the impeller about the axle.
Assignee:
General Electric Co., San Jose, CA (United States)
Patent Number(s):
US 5073335; A
Application Number:
PPN: US 7-660306
OSTI ID:
5461369
Country of Publication:
United States
Language:
English