Thermal breeder fuel enrichment zoning

Patent · Wed Jan 01 00:00:00 EST 1992

OSTI ID:868425

Capossela, Harry J ^[1]; Dwyer, Joseph R ^[2]; Luce, Robert G ^[1]; McCoy, Daniel F ^[3]; Merriman, Floyd C ^[4]

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1. Schenectady, NY
2. Albany, NY
3. Latham, NY
4. Rotterdam, NY

A method and apparatus for improving the performance of a thermal breeder reactor having regions of higher than average moderator concentration are disclosed. The fuel modules of the reactor core contain at least two different types of fuel elements, a high enrichment fuel element and a low enrichment fuel element. The two types of fuel elements are arranged in the fuel module with the low enrichment fuel elements located between the high moderator regions and the high enrichment fuel elements. Preferably, shim rods made of a fertile material are provided in selective regions for controlling the reactivity of the reactor by movement of the shim rods into and out of the reactor core. The moderation of neutrons adjacent the high enrichment fuel elements is preferably minimized as by reducing the spacing of the high enrichment fuel elements and/or using a moderator having a reduced moderating effect.

• Research Organization: Knolls Atomic Power Laboratory (KAPL), Niskayuna, NY (United States)
• DOE Contract Number: EY-76-C-12-0052
• Assignee: United States of America as represented by United States (Washington, DC)
• Patent Number(s): US 5136619
• OSTI ID: 868425
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

Related Subjects

thermal
breeder
fuel
enrichment
zoning
method
apparatus
improving
performance
reactor
regions
average
moderator
concentration
disclosed
modules
core
contain
types
elements
element
arranged
module
located
preferably
shim
rods
fertile
material
provided
selective
controlling
reactivity
movement
moderation
neutrons
adjacent
minimized
reducing
spacing
reduced
moderating
effect
breeder reactor
fuel elements
fuel element
reactor core
fertile material
shim rod
elements located
fuel module
fuel modules
thermal breeder
breeder fuel
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