Magnetic switch for reactor control rod
A magnetic reed switch assembly for activating an electromagnetic grapple utilized to hold a control rod in position above a reactor core. In normal operation the magnetic field of a permanent magnet is short-circuited by a magnetic shunt, diverting the magnetic field away from the reed switch. The magnetic shunt is made of a material having a Curie-point at the desired release temperature. Above that temperature the material loses its ferromagnetic properties, and the magnetic path is diverted to the reed switch which closes and short-circuits the control circuit for the control rod electromagnetic grapple which allows the control rod to drop into the reactor core for controlling the reactivity of the core.
- Research Organization:
- General Electric Co., Schenectady, NY (United States)
- Sponsoring Organization:
- USDOE
- DOE Contract Number:
- AT03-76SF71032
- Assignee:
- United States of America as represented by U.S. Department of Energy (Washington, DC)
- Patent Number(s):
- 4,582,675
- Application Number:
- 06/429,922
- OSTI ID:
- 865811
- Country of Publication:
- United States
- Language:
- English
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