Quick release latch for reactor scram

Patent · Thu Jan 01 04:00:00 EST 1976

OSTI ID:862471

Johnson, Melvin L ^[1]; Shawver, Bruce M ^[2]

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1. Wichita, KS
2. San Jose, CA

A simple, reliable, and fast-acting means for releasing a control element and allowing it to be inserted rapidly into the core region of a nuclear reactor for scram purposes. A latch mechanism grips a coupling head on a nuclear control element to connect the control element to the control drive assembly. The latch mechanism is closed by tensioning a cable or rod with an actuator. The control element is released by de-energizing the actuator, providing fail-safe, rapid release of the control element to effect reactor shutdown. A sensing rod provides indication that the control element is properly positioned in the latch. Two embodiments are illustrated, one involving a collet-type latch mechanism, the other a pliers-type latch mechanism with the actuator located inside the reactor vessel.

• Research Organization: National Energy Technology Laboratory, Pittsburgh, PA, and Morgantown, WV
• DOE Contract Number: AT(04-3)-893
• Assignee: United States of America as represented by United States Energy (Washington, DC)
• Patent Number(s): US 3941413
• OSTI ID: 862471
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

Related Subjects

/376/294/976/
actuator
allowing
assembly
cable
closed
collet-type
connect
control
control drive
control element
core
core region
coupling
de-energizing
drive
drive assembly
effect
element
embodiments
fail-safe
fast-acting
grips
head
illustrated
indication
inserted
inside
involving
latch
latch mechanism
located
located inside
means
mechanism
nuclear
nuclear control
nuclear reactor
pliers-type
positioned
properly
provides
providing
purposes
quick
quick release
rapid
rapid release
rapidly
reactor
reactor scram
reactor shutdown
reactor vessel
region
release
released
releasing
reliable
rod
scram
sensing
shutdown
simple
tensioning
vessel