Abstract:
A core module for nuclear reactors includes a core support grid having hollow tubes extending upwardly therefrom and fuel assemblies mounted on the upper ends of said tubes with their interiors in communication with the interiors of the tubes. There are a number of control rods around the periphery of each module which are connected by a single control rod yoke, the control rods being guided on the outsides of the core support tubes. The yoke is connected to the core rod drive.
Abstract:
A guide structure for aligning fuel assemblies forming a nuclear core of a nuclear reactor and for guiding a plurality of control elements for telescoping movement within guide channels of fuel assemblies. Two spaced tube sheets, rigidly connected by a plurality of hollow tubes extending therebetween, are supported by a support means relative to the nuclear core with each of the hollow tubes being in alignment with a guide channel of the fuel assemblies. A plurality of yoke means, each of which interconnects at least two of a plurality of control elements situated within some of the hollow tubes, are provided whereby the interconnected control elments telescopingly move as a unit within the guide channels.
Abstract:
The upper structure of a nuclear reactor consisting of the control rod mechanisms, the pressure vessel closure head, the upper internals package, and other associated structure are connected to form an integral unit which may be removed from the reactor vessel in a single lift to expose the fuel assemblies of the reactor core to the open end of the reactor vessel. The closure head is hung from the control rod drive missile shield and the upper internals package is hung from the closure head.
Abstract:
A nuclear reactor control rod drive having relatively wide annular gaps for hydraulic fluid between relatively movable parts in the device. Guide structure associated with movable control pistons in the device provides for mounting of these pistons approximately concentrically within a guide tube and with less play with respect to this structure than the clearance between bearing surfaces at the guide tube. Hydraulic fluid at a pressure in excess of fluid pressure in the reactor can be selectively fed into the guide tube from the top of the tube for a rinsing operation.
Abstract:
A control rod drive of the type wherein the load is actuated by a non-rotatable screwshaft driven axially within a sealed tubular enclosure includes a spinning nut assembly consisting of roller nuts mounted on pivoted segment arms and movable into and out of mesh with the screwshaft by energization and deenergization of an induction-type motor. The segment arms form a portion of the rotor so that when the field of stator rotates the roller nuts planetate to drive the shaft. A combined support and convectioncontrolling housing structure for the mechanism is adapted to be attached to the cover of a reactor vessel and includes an upwardly extending torque-taking piston-carrying section connected to the screwshaft and a snubbing cylinder for controlling the rate of descent and absorbing shock in event of scan, and means for parking the screwshaft in a raised position.
Abstract:
An elongated shaft is axially assembled within a guide bearing which provides lateral support while permitting longitudinal movement. The bearing includes inwardly projecting ribs which intermesh with outwardly projecting splines from the shaft. Adjacent lateral guide surfaces of the ribs and splines are in slidable contact and each guide surface coincides with a radius from the longitudinal axis of the assembly. Space for unequal thermal expansion of the member and bearing is provided beyond the distal surfaces of the splines and ribs.
Abstract:
Method of coupling nuclear reactor control rods, displaceable in guide tubes and around which coolant flows in a nuclear reactor, to a drive linkage therefor, and uncoupling the control rods from the drive linkage includes turning a one-piece drive linkage with respect to a control rod located in reactor shut-off location, and turning the control rod proper with the aid of the drive linkage with respect to a guide tube in which the control rod is received, for the purpose of locking and unlocking the same.
Abstract:
A nuclear reactor is disclosed wherein hydraulic drive mechanisms are provided to vary the location of a plurality of neutron-absorbing control elements associated with selected fuel assemblies. Each fuel assembly comprises a fixed array of commingled and spaced fuel pins and guide tubes. Each selected assembly has a plurality of individually movable two-position control elements which are coupled to drive mechanisms which operate to telescope the control elements within their associated guide tubes.
Abstract:
TO BE DRIVEN BY ONE MECHANISM PER ASSEMBLY. THE THIMBLES ARE SEATED AT THEIR LOWER ENDS AND THE INTERIOR THEREOF IS ISOLATED FROM THE INTERNAL PRESSURE OF THE REACTOR VESSEL SO THAT THE CONTROL ELEMENTS OPERATE IN AIR OR OTHER GAS, FOR EXAMPLE HELIUM.
THE FUEL ASSEMBLIES IN A REACTOR ARE FIXED ARRAYS OF FUEL RODS WITHOUT THE USUAL OMISSIONS FOR CONTROL ROD SLOTS. INSTEAD, A NUMBER OF FUEL RODS ARE OMITTED IN THE PATTERN ON A NEARLY UNIFORM GRID THROUGHOUT THE CORE TO PROVIDE SPACES FOR PRESSURE THIMBLES TO HOUSE CONTROL ELEMENTS OF NEUTRON ABSORBING MATERIAL, SUCH AS A CHAIN OR BEAD TYPE. THE CONTROL ELEMENTS ARE DRIVEN IN OR OUT OF THE CORE BY SUCH MEANS AS WIRE ROPE CABLES WHICH ARE GROUPED
Abstract:
A CONTROL ROD DRIVE ASSEMBLY FOR A NUCLEAR REACTOR UTILIZING A PLANETARY GEAR SYSTEM AND A PAIR OF MOTOR DRIVE UNITS IN CONTINUOUS OPERATION. SPEED ADJUSTMENTS OF ONE MOTOR UNIT CAUSES CONTROL ROD MOVEMENT FOR PURPOSE OF REACTOR CONTROL. BRAKING OF SAID MOTOR UNIT PROVIDES
RAPID ROD INSERTION WHILE A FLYWHEEL BUILT INTO THE PLANETARY GEAR SYSTEM PROVIDES RAPID ROD INSERTION IN THE EVENT BOTH MOTOR UNITS FAIL.