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Title: Quick release latch for reactor scram

Abstract

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 is described. 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. (auth)

Inventors:
;
Issue Date:
Research Org.:
Originating Research Org. not identified
OSTI Identifier:
4135048
Patent Number(s):
3905634
Assignee:
to U.S. Energy Research and Development Administration
Patent Classifications (CPCs):
G - PHYSICS G21 - NUCLEAR PHYSICS G21C - NUCLEAR REACTORS
Y - NEW / CROSS SECTIONAL TECHNOLOGIES Y02 - TECHNOLOGIES OR APPLICATIONS FOR MITIGATION OR ADAPTATION AGAINST CLIMATE CHANGE Y02E - REDUCTION OF GREENHOUSE GAS [GHG] EMISSIONS, RELATED TO ENERGY GENERATION, TRANSMISSION OR DISTRIBUTION
NSA Number:
NSA-33-011389
Resource Type:
Patent
Resource Relation:
Patent File Date: 1974 Jun 01; Other Information: G21C7/08. Orig. Receipt Date: 30-JUN-76
Country of Publication:
United States
Language:
English
Subject:
N79400* -Reactors-Reactor Control Systems; N77500 - Reactors-Power Reactors, Breeding; 220400* -Nuclear Reactor Technology-Control Systems; *LMFBR TYPE REACTORS- SCRAM; ACTUATORS; CONTROL ELEMENTS; FASTENERS

Citation Formats

Johnson, M L, and Shawver, B M. Quick release latch for reactor scram. United States: N. p., 1975. Web.
Johnson, M L, & Shawver, B M. Quick release latch for reactor scram. United States.
Johnson, M L, and Shawver, B M. Tue . "Quick release latch for reactor scram". United States.
@article{osti_4135048,
title = {Quick release latch for reactor scram},
author = {Johnson, M L and Shawver, B M},
abstractNote = {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 is described. 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. (auth)},
doi = {},
journal = {},
number = ,
volume = ,
place = {United States},
year = {1975},
month = {9}
}

Patent:
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