Hafnium control rod for nuclear reactors

Patent · Tue Nov 21 04:00:00 EST 1989

OSTI ID:6968762

Cearley, J E; Salmon, D A; Van Dieman, P

This patent describes an improved control device for nuclear fission reactor having a core fissionable fuel is an assembly composed of fuel units grouped into spaced apart bundles which are immersed in liquid coolant in operating service, and wherein the control device is provided with means for reciprocal movement into and out from the core of fuel intermediate the spaced apart bundles of the assembly. The control device having a frame including an upper and lower support member connected by an elongated central spine support with the upper and lower support members each of transverse cruciform configuration having four radially extending arms projecting outward from the central spine support and a sheath of bladelike configuration extending from each of the arms of the upper support to each of the arms of the lower support and each of the sheaths longitudinally adjoining the spine support. Each sheath containing therein a neutron absorbing component consisting essentially of a plurality of parallel flattened hollow tubes of hafnium metal with their axis aligned with the spine support, and each sheath. Each of the plurality of parallel flattened hollow tubes therein in their flattened portions are provided with a multiplicity of openings along their length for entry and the presence of liquid coolant through the length of the flattened hollow tubes of hafnium.

• Assignee: General Electric Co., San Jose, CA
• Patent Number(s): US 4882123; A
• Application Number: PPN: US 7-162449--A
• OSTI ID: 6968762
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

Related Subjects

22 GENERAL STUDIES OF NUCLEAR REACTORS
220300 -- Nuclear Reactor Technology-- Fuel Elements
220400* -- Nuclear Reactor Technology-- Control Systems
CONTROL ELEMENTS
DESIGN
ELEMENTS
HAFNIUM
METALS
REACTOR COMPONENTS
ROD BUNDLES
TRANSITION ELEMENTS
TUBES