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Title: Control system for a small fission reactor

Abstract

A system for controlling the reactivity of a small fission reactor includes an elongated, flexible hollow tube in the general form of a helical coiled spring axially positioned around and outside of the reactor vessel in an annular space between the reactor vessel and a surrounding cylindrical-shaped neutron reflector. A neutron absorbing material is provided within the hollow tube with the rate of the reaction controlled by the extension and compression of the hollow tube, e.g., extension of the tube increases reactivity while its compression reduces reactivity, in varying the amount of neutron absorbing material disposed between the reactor vessel and the neutron reflector. Conventional mechanical displacement means may be employed to control the coil density of the hollow tube as desired.

Inventors:
; ;
Issue Date:
Research Org.:
Argonne National Laboratory (ANL), Argonne, IL (United States)
OSTI Identifier:
5122307
Application Number:
ON: DE85017798
Assignee:
Dept. of Energy
DOE Contract Number:  
W-31-109-ENG-38
Resource Type:
Patent
Country of Publication:
United States
Language:
English
Subject:
22 GENERAL STUDIES OF NUCLEAR REACTORS; 21 SPECIFIC NUCLEAR REACTORS AND ASSOCIATED PLANTS; LMFBR TYPE REACTORS; REACTOR CONTROL SYSTEMS; DESIGN; RELIABILITY; BORON CARBIDES; MAINTENANCE; REACTIVITY; BORON COMPOUNDS; BREEDER REACTORS; CARBIDES; CARBON COMPOUNDS; CONTROL SYSTEMS; EPITHERMAL REACTORS; FAST REACTORS; FBR TYPE REACTORS; LIQUID METAL COOLED REACTORS; REACTORS; 220400* - Nuclear Reactor Technology- Control Systems; 210500 - Power Reactors, Breeding

Citation Formats

Burelbach, J P, Kann, W J, and Saiveau, J G. Control system for a small fission reactor. United States: N. p., 1985. Web.
Burelbach, J P, Kann, W J, & Saiveau, J G. Control system for a small fission reactor. United States.
Burelbach, J P, Kann, W J, and Saiveau, J G. Fri . "Control system for a small fission reactor". United States.
@article{osti_5122307,
title = {Control system for a small fission reactor},
author = {Burelbach, J P and Kann, W J and Saiveau, J G},
abstractNote = {A system for controlling the reactivity of a small fission reactor includes an elongated, flexible hollow tube in the general form of a helical coiled spring axially positioned around and outside of the reactor vessel in an annular space between the reactor vessel and a surrounding cylindrical-shaped neutron reflector. A neutron absorbing material is provided within the hollow tube with the rate of the reaction controlled by the extension and compression of the hollow tube, e.g., extension of the tube increases reactivity while its compression reduces reactivity, in varying the amount of neutron absorbing material disposed between the reactor vessel and the neutron reflector. Conventional mechanical displacement means may be employed to control the coil density of the hollow tube as desired.},
doi = {},
journal = {},
number = ,
volume = ,
place = {United States},
year = {1985},
month = {2}
}

Patent:
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