Nuclear core positioning system

Patent · Mon Jan 01 00:00:00 EST 1979

OSTI ID:863271

Garkisch, Hans D ^[1]; Yant, Howard W ^[2]; Patterson, John F ^[3]

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1. Irwin, PA
2. Greensburg, PA
3. Murrysville, PA

A structural support system for the core of a nuclear reactor which achieves relatively restricted clearances at operating conditions and yet allows sufficient clearance between fuel assemblies at refueling temperatures. Axially displaced spacer pads having variable between pad spacing and a temperature compensated radial restraint system are utilized to maintain clearances between the fuel elements. The core support plates are constructed of metals specially chosen such that differential thermal expansion produces positive restraint at operating temperatures.

• DOE Contract Number: AT(11-1)-3046
• Assignee: Westinghouse Electric Corp. (Pittsburgh, PA)
• Patent Number(s): US 4135974
• OSTI ID: 863271
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

Related Subjects

nuclear
core
positioning
structural
support
reactor
achieves
relatively
restricted
clearances
operating
conditions
allows
sufficient
clearance
fuel
assemblies
refueling
temperatures
axially
displaced
spacer
pads
variable
pad
spacing
temperature
compensated
radial
restraint
utilized
maintain
elements
plates
constructed
metals
specially
chosen
differential
thermal
expansion
produces
positive
differential thermal
structural support
nuclear core
operating conditions
fuel assemblies
fuel elements
fuel element
thermal expansion
nuclear reactor
operating temperature
operating temperatures
support plate
operating condition
core support
axially displaced
temperature compensated
refueling temperature
/376/976/