Nuclear reactor melt-retention structure to mitigate direct containment heating

Patent · Tue Sep 17 04:00:00 EDT 1991

OSTI ID:5759249

Tutu, N K; Ginsberg, T; Klages, J R

This patent describes a nuclear reactor melt-retention structure that functions to retain molten core material within a melt retention chamber to mitigate the extent of direct containment heating. The structure being adapted to be positioned within or adjacent to a pressurized or boiling water nuclear reactor containment building at a location such that at least a portion of the melt retention structure is lower than and to one side of the nuclear reactor pressure vessel, and such that the structure is adjacent to a gas escape channel means that communicates between the reactor cavity and the containment building of the reactor. It comprises a melt-retention chamber, wall means defining a passageway extending between the reactor cavity underneath the reactor pressure vessel and one side of the chamber, the passageway including vent means extending through an upper wall portion thereof. The vent means being in communication with the upper region of the reactor containment building, whereby gas and steam discharged from the reactor pressure vessel are vented through the passageway and vent means into the gas-escape channel means and the reactor containment building.

• Assignee: Associated Universities, Inc., Washington, DC (United States)
• Patent Number(s): US 5049352; A
• Application Number: PPN: US 7-598846
• OSTI ID: 5759249
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

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