Self-actuated nuclear reactor shutdown system using induction pump to facilitate sensing of core coolant temperature
In a nuclear reactor including at least one fuel assembly having an upper end from which exits coolant after flowing upwardly through and being heated within the fuel assembly and at least one reactivity control assembly disposed adjacent the fuel assembly and having a bottom nozzle with an inlet, this patent describes a top nozzle with an outlet, radially spaced outer and inner elongated ducts extending between and mounted at respective upper and lower ends to the nozzles. At least one neutron absorber bundle is disposed in the inner duct for movement between raised and lowered positions axially along the inner duct and a driveline for moving the absorber bundle. The ducts define an annular space extending between the nozzles. The top nozzle outlet is disposed adjacent the upper end of the fuel assembly. A self-actuated shutdown system is incorporated in the reactivity control assembly which comprises: (a) a tubular member; (b) a latching mechanism; (c) orifice means defining at least one flow opening through the inner duct above the absorber bundle so as to establish flow communication between the inner duct and the annular space between the inner and outer ducts; and (d) pumping means disposed adjacent the bottom nozzle and in flow communication with the inlet. The pumping means establish flow communication between the absorber bundle and the annular space at the inner duct lower end such that the upward driving flow of primary coolant, in turn, creates a suction head within the outer flow channel of the top nozzle.
- Assignee:
- Dept. of Energy, Washington, DC
- Patent Number(s):
- US 4698200
- OSTI ID:
- 5980351
- Country of Publication:
- United States
- Language:
- English
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Related Subjects
220300 -- Nuclear Reactor Technology-- Fuel Elements
220400 -- Nuclear Reactor Technology-- Control Systems
220900* -- Nuclear Reactor Technology-- Reactor Safety
AUTOMATION
CONTROL SYSTEMS
COOLANTS
COOLING SYSTEMS
DESIGN
DUCTS
ENERGY SYSTEMS
FASTENERS
FLUID FLOW
FLUID MECHANICS
FUEL ASSEMBLIES
HYDRODYNAMICS
IN CORE INSTRUMENTS
MECHANICS
MONITORING
NOZZLES
OPENINGS
OPERATION
ORIFICES
POWER REACTORS
PRIMARY COOLANT CIRCUITS
PUMPING
PUMPS
REACTOR COMPONENTS
REACTOR CONTROL SYSTEMS
REACTOR COOLING SYSTEMS
REACTOR CORES
REACTOR INSTRUMENTATION
REACTOR MONITORING SYSTEMS
REACTOR OPERATION
REACTOR SAFETY
REACTOR SHUTDOWN
REACTORS
ROD BUNDLES
SAFETY
SHUTDOWNS
TEMPERATURE MEASUREMENT
TEMPERATURE MONITORING