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Title: Systems and methods for managing shared-path instrumentation and irradiation targets in a nuclear reactor

Patent ·
OSTI ID:1234208

Systems and methods permit discriminate access to nuclear reactors. Systems provide penetration pathways to irradiation target loading and offloading systems, instrumentation systems, and other external systems at desired times, while limiting such access during undesired times. Systems use selection mechanisms that can be strategically positioned for space sharing to connect only desired systems to a reactor. Selection mechanisms include distinct paths, forks, diverters, turntables, and other types of selectors. Management methods with such systems permits use of the nuclear reactor and penetration pathways between different systems and functions, simultaneously and at only distinct desired times. Existing TIP drives and other known instrumentation and plant systems are useable with access management systems and methods, which can be used in any nuclear plant with access restrictions.

Research Organization:
GE-Hitachi Nuclear Energy Americas, LLC, Wilmington, NC (United States)
Sponsoring Organization:
USDOE
DOE Contract Number:
FC52-09NA29626
Assignee:
GE-Hitachi Nuclear Energy Americas, LLC
Patent Number(s):
9,224,507
Application Number:
13/709,524
OSTI ID:
1234208
Resource Relation:
Patent File Date: 2012 Dec 10
Country of Publication:
United States
Language:
English

References (7)

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Method and apparatus for the production and extraction of molybdenum-99 patent June 1999
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Irradiation Target Retention Assemblies for Isotope Delivery System patent-application March 2011