Design and testing of a self-actuated shut down system for the protection of liquid metal fast breeder reactors (LMFBRs)

Journal Article · Fri Apr 01 04:00:00 EST 1977 · IEEE Trans. Nucl. Sci.; (United States)

DOI:https://doi.org/10.1109/TNS.1977.4328809· OSTI ID:7306695

Josephson, J; Sowa, E S

The design and testing of a simple and reliable Self-Actuated Shutdown System (SASS) for the protection of Liquid Metal Fast Breeder Reactors (LMFBRs) is described. A ferromagnetic Curie temperature permanent magnet holding device has been selected for the design of the Self-Actuated Shutdown System in order to enhance the safety of liquid metal cooled fast reactors (LMFBRs). The self-actuated, self-contained device operates such that accident conditions, resulting in increased coolant temperature or neutron flux reduce the magnetic holding force suspending a neutron absorber above the core by raising the temperature of the trigger mechanism above the Curie point. Neutron absorber material is then inserted into the core, under gravity, terminating the accident. Two possible design variations of the selected concept are presented.

• Research Organization: Argonne National Lab., IL
• OSTI ID: 7306695
• Journal Information: IEEE Trans. Nucl. Sci.; (United States), Journal Name: IEEE Trans. Nucl. Sci.; (United States) Vol. NS-24:2; ISSN IETNA
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

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