Abstract:
The present invention essentially involves using a solidification material (15) for filling the empty cavities (7, 9) in premises which have been evacuated pursuant to an accident that occurred during the exploitation of a given object. If need be, specific ingredients consisting of neutron absorbers as well as superplasticisers can also be added to this material. The filling process is carried out according to a stratification technique starting from the bottom towards the top and from the periphery towards the centre of the structure, wherein the layer thus deposited is given time to rest in order to form a single monolithic block. The height of the monolithic block thus formed depends on the amount and the distribution of the nuclear fuel, on the time necessary for the block to rest until the filling is completed, on the conditions of the building structures as well as on the filling material itself. The height of the block is further determined for each practical case. Using specially selected and formed materials, it is thus possible to provide a reliable protection structure against radioactive and harmful nuclear substances while using industrial facilities and materials already available on the market.
Abstract:
L'enceinte selon l'invention comporte une enceinte de sécurité (7) mise en place autour de l'élément-source (1, 2) et délimitée par une paroi porteuse en béton (5), équipée d'un revêtement métallique (7). Ce revêtement comporte une membrane métallique, des structures d'ancrage périphérique et des organes d'ancrage intermédiaires répartis à la surface de la membrane métallique. Des moyens répartiteurs de pression sont solidarisés avec des tiges de fixation ancrées dans le béton.
Abstract:
A frame (10) with downwardly projecting members (52) mounts by means of a pair of hoists (36) and lifting bracket (42) downwardly into upwardly open recesses of complementary mounting members (54) secured to reactor head lifting legs (30). Frame (10) is mounted on the head either with lead wool shielding blankets (40) hanging from it or without. In the latter case, hangers (60) with blankets (40) hanging therefrom and horizontally gravity biased hooks (64) mounted on a curved beam (62), are lowered by hoist (36) until hooks (64) grapple, pivot and hang hanger (60) and the shielding on frame (10) at a location radially inwardly of the head bolt locations (22). The hook of hoist (36) is lowered until it is disengaged from the radially outwardly biased bail (70) of hanger (60).
Abstract:
The present invention relates to a transportable nuclear power generator by means of modular components fully sealed that form a critical and super-critical system when assembled at a deployment site for the purpose of safely generating electric power without requiring site infrastructure. In particular, the present invention relates generally to transportable and distributable electric power and process heat generation by means of a micro modular, compact, transportable, inherently safe nuclear generator deployable and retrievable within a few hours from reactor shut-down, comprising power conversion and conditioning for remote electric generation via combined Brayton and Rankine power cycles.
Abstract:
A nuclear reactor system is disclosed which provides an auxiliary cooling system and improved safety in the event of corrosion failure. The reactor comprises an inner reactor vessel containing a reactor core and a liquid fuel, and an outer containment vessel, with an intermediate space between the vessels being filled with a protective material. The protective material is at least partly in a solid state during normal operation of the reactor, and is liquefied by increasing temperatures within the reactor vessel due to abnormal operating conditions and provides enhanced cooling in the liquid state. The protective material and/or the coolant of a heat exchanger may dilute the liquid fuel during corrosive failure, and may optionally be provided with neutron absorbing material to prevent a fission chain reaction from occurring outside the reactor vessel.
Abstract:
The invention relates to a method for building a nuclear power plant comprising a containment space surrounded by a protective shell. Said method is characterized by the following essential construction steps: identifying or building a cavern (2) in a rocky ground or mountain (3), said cavern (2) being connected to the outside world via a tunnel or a shaft (4); erecting or introducing a sealing protective steel cover (5) delimiting the containment space (1) so as to form a surrounding cavity (6) between the cavern walls (2') and the protective cover (5); and filling the cavity (6), except for the tunnel or shaft (4), with concrete or cement (6').
Abstract:
The present invention essentially involves using a solidification material (15) for filling the empty cavities (7, 9) in premises which have been evacuated pursuant to an accident that occurred during the exploitation of a given object. If need be, specific ingredients consisting of neutron absorbers as well as superplasticisers can also be added to this material. The filling process is carried out according to a stratification technique starting from the bottom towards the top and from the periphery towards the centre of the structure, wherein the layer thus deposited is given time to rest in order to form a single monolithic block. The height of the monolithic block thus formed depends on the amount and the distribution of the nuclear fuel, on the time necessary for the block to rest until the filling is completed, on the conditions of the building structures as well as on the filling material itself. The height of the block is further determined for each practical case. Using specially selected and formed materials, it is thus possible to provide a reliable protection structure against radioactive and harmful nuclear substances while using industrial facilities and materials already available on the market.