Axially shaped channel and integral flow trippers

    公开(公告)号:USRE33818E

    公开(公告)日:1992-02-11

    申请号:US534812

    申请日:1990-06-06

    IPC分类号: G21C3/322 G21C3/324

    摘要: An improved channel is disclosed which has a reduced average thickness in its upper portion. The lesser average thickness corresponds to a lower pressure difference acting on the channel sides, over the upper portion of the channel. The reduction in average thickness is accomplished by cutting flow trippers into the inner surface of the channel walls and/or cutting grooves into the outer surface of the channel. The axial variation of channel average thickness increases water volume adjacent to the upper part of the channel to provide increased neutron moderation, to minimize the steam void reactivity coefficient, and to provide a greater cold shutdown margin. The material removed to produce the flow trippers increases the cross-sectional area inside the channel and reduces pressure drop in the upper portion of the channel. The flow trippers divert water flowing on the channel walls to the fuel rods adjacent to the channel walls, permitting higher reactor power operation. The flow trippers also permit operation at lower flow rates.