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Method and device for the passive protection of a nuclear reactor

Patent ·
OSTI ID:7362781
Conventional fuel elements within the core of a nuclear reactor and especially a fast reactor are at least partly replaced by ''safety elements'' each formed by a stack of fissile fuel pellets enclosed in a can. Each pellet is provided with a central orifice so as to form an axial flow duct of sufficiently large cross-sectional area to ensure that the portion of fuel which is liable to melt as a result of a neutron-flux excursion flows under gravity to the bottom of the fuel element and has the effect of reducing the reactivity without damaging the fuel can.
Assignee:
Electricite de France
Patent Number(s):
US 3932217
OSTI ID:
7362781
Country of Publication:
United States
Language:
English

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