Quick release latch for reactor scram
- Wichita, KS
- 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
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actuator
allowing
assembly
cable
closed
collet-type
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control
control drive
control element
core
core region
coupling
de-energizing
drive
drive assembly
effect
element
embodiments
fail-safe
fast-acting
grips
head
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indication
inserted
inside
involving
latch
latch mechanism
located
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means
mechanism
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pliers-type
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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
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