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Title: Passive cooling system for nuclear reactor containment structure

Patent ·
OSTI ID:6968899

This patent describes the passive cooling natural circulation system for the containment structure of a nuclear reactor plant which provides over pressure protection within the containment housing. It comprises: a nuclear reactor assembly having a pressure vessel with a heat producing core of fissionable fuel enclosed therein and at least one conduit in fluid communication with the interior of the pressure vessel extending out therefrom, a drywell chamber adjacent to the pressure vessel, a suppression pool chamber for retaining a cooling liquid and having a conduit providing fluid communication between the drywell chamber and suppression pool chamber, a compartment providing a liquid refill pool for liquid water isolated from radioactive fission products located overhead of the suppression pool chamber, a multiplicity of conduits arranged in a staggered array extending downward into the suppression pool chamber adjoining a wall thereof. The conduits being joined at their lower extremities with an adjacent conduit through a junction to provide a closed circuit therethrough for the passage of fluid down into the suppression pool chamber from above and return up to above the chamber.

Assignee:
General Electric Co., San Jose, CA
Patent Number(s):
US 4889682; A
Application Number:
PPN: US 7-196581A; TRN: 90-013865
OSTI ID:
6968899
Resource Relation:
Patent File Date: 20 May 1988
Country of Publication:
United States
Language:
English