Nuclear reactor spacer grid and ductless core component

Patent · Sun Jan 01 00:00:00 EST 1989

OSTI ID:866905

Christiansen, David W ^[1]; Karnesky, Richard A ^[2]

---

1. Kennewick, WA
2. Richland, WA

The invention relates to a nuclear reactor spacer grid member for use in a liquid cooled nuclear reactor and to a ductless core component employing a plurality of these spacer grid members. The spacer grid member is of the egg-shell type and is constructed so that the walls of the cell members of the grid member are formed of a single thickness of metal to avoid tolerance problems. Within each cell member is a hydraulic spring which laterally constrains the nuclear material bearing rod which passes through each cell member against a hardstop in response to coolant flow through the cell member. This hydraulic spring is also suitable for use in a water cooled nuclear reactor. A core component constructed of, among other components, a plurality of these spacer grid members, avoids the use of a full length duct by providing spacer sleeves about the sodium tubes passing through the spacer grid members at locations between the grid members, thereby maintaining a predetermined space between adjacent grid members.

• Research Organization: WESTINGHOUSE HANFORD CO
• DOE Contract Number: AC06-76FF02170
• Assignee: United States of America as represented by United States (Washington, DC)
• Patent Number(s): US 4818479
• OSTI ID: 866905
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

Related Subjects

nuclear
reactor
spacer
grid
ductless
core
component
relates
liquid
cooled
employing
plurality
egg-shell
type
constructed
walls
cell
formed
single
thickness
metal
avoid
tolerance
hydraulic
spring
laterally
constrains
material
bearing
rod
passes
hardstop
response
coolant
flow
suitable
water
components
avoids
length
duct
providing
sleeves
sodium
tubes
passing
locations
maintaining
predetermined
space
adjacent
core component
nuclear reactor
coolant flow
cooled nuclear
spacer grid
nuclear material
water cooled
liquid cooled
tubes passing
reactor space
reactor spacer
material bearing
tubes pass
ductless core
/376/976/