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

Thermionic switched self-actuating reactor shutdown system

Patent ·
OSTI ID:7176142

The patent describes a self-actuating reactor shutdown system incorporating a thermionic switched electromagnetic latch arrangement which is responsive to reactor neutron flux changes and to reactor coolant temperature changes. The system is self- actuating in that the sensing thermionic device acts directly to release (scram) the control rod (absorber) without reference or signal from the main reactor plant protective and control systems. To be responsive to both temperature and neutron flux effects, two detectors are used, one responsive to reactor coolant temperatures, and the other responsive to reactor neutron flux increase. The detectors are incorporated into a thermionic diode connected electrically with an electromagnetic mechanism which under normal reactor operating conditions holds the control rod in its ready position (exterior of the reactor core).

Assignee:
Dept. of Energy, Washington, DC
Patent Number(s):
A; US 4880596
Application Number:
PPN: US 7-120710A
OSTI ID:
7176142
Country of Publication:
United States
Language:
English