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U.S. Department of Energy
Office of Scientific and Technical Information

Method for obtaining load-following capability in natural circulation, free-surface separation boiling water reactors

Patent ·
OSTI ID:6549142

This patent describes an improvement in a natural-circulation boiling water reactor (BWR). It is of the free-surface separation type wherein housed within a reactor pressure vessel (RPV) is a nuclear core which with the RPV defines an annulus region which is in flow communication with a core lower plenum region disposed beneath the nuclear core, a first upper steam dryer assembly connected to a steam outlet in the RPV, a chimney mounted atop the core and in fluid communication with the first upper steam dryer assembly, the region outside of the chimney defining a down-comer region which also is in fluid communication with the chimney, free-surface steam separation occurring within the chimney, and a feedwater inlet disposed in the RPV. The improvement is for obtaining load-following capability.

Assignee:
General Electric Co., San Jose, CA (USA)
Patent Number(s):
A; US 4947485
Application Number:
PPN: US s 7-383787
OSTI ID:
6549142
Country of Publication:
United States
Language:
English