Method and apparatus for controlling the neutron flux in nuclear reactors
A control rod assembly in a nuclear reactor that automatically scrams the reactor when a loss of coolant flow occurs and that can also control the level of neutron flux in the reactor is described. The control rod assembly includes a separator plate having an orifice through which the reactor coolant flows and a sealing surface around the orifice. The control rod in the assembly has a complementary sealing surface. When the control rod and separator plate are brought into contact, the differential pressure across the separator plate caused by the flow of the primary coolant through the reactor core retains the two sealing surfaces together. If the flow of coolant stops or the differential pressure across the separator plate decreases for any reason, the control rod drops by gravity and the reactor is scrammed. The control rod is also automatically dropped as a result of the lateral vibration of an earthquake or by the downward motion of the rod drive shaft, either of which will open the sealing surfaces and reduce the sealing pressure.
- Assignee:
- Electric Power Research Institute, Inc.
- Patent Number(s):
- US 4158602
- OSTI ID:
- 5959752
- Country of Publication:
- United States
- Language:
- English
Similar Records
Control rod drive for reactor shutdown. [LMFBR]
Pressure compensated flow control valve
Related Subjects
210500 -- Power Reactors
Breeding
22 GENERAL STUDIES OF NUCLEAR REACTORS
220400* -- Nuclear Reactor Technology-- Control Systems
ACCIDENTS
BREEDER REACTORS
CONTROL ELEMENTS
DESIGN
EPITHERMAL REACTORS
FAST REACTORS
FBR TYPE REACTORS
LIQUID METAL COOLED REACTORS
LMFBR TYPE REACTORS
LOSS OF FLOW
PRESSURE DROP
REACTOR ACCIDENTS
REACTOR COMPONENTS
REACTORS
SCRAM RODS