US3629064A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Safety apparatus for nuclear reactors
Assignee: Northrop Grumman Space and Mission Systems Corp
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Filing: 1968-09-09
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Granted: 1971-12-21
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Expires: 1988-09-09
Abstract
Abstract The method of the present invention consists of placing a layer of dense, high-melting temperature material such as unenriched uranium dioxide (UO2), under a nuclear reactor to support by flotation large masses of molten reactor fuel which might otherwise melt through the floor and the containment shell. The apparatus of the invention is comprised of a dish-shaped layer of unenriched UO2 or similar material which is encased in a steel housing. The diameter of the dish-shaped layer is greater than the diameter of the reactor core and if located external to the reactor pressure vessel, the diameter of the layer is at least as great as that of the vessel.
Inventors
- 👤 Samuel M Zivi
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-10-27 07:38
CPC Classifications
G; G21; G21C; G21C9/00; G21C9/016; Y; Y02; Y02E; Y02E30/00; Y02E30/30
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 3
Claim 1
Independent Claim
16 words
Apparatus as defined in claim 1 wherein a steel jacket is provided for enclosing said slab.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
15 words
Apparatus as defined in claim 1 wherein said nuclear fuel consists of enriched uranium dioxide.
Claim 3
Independent Claim
117 words
The method of containing molten reactor fuel which may escape from a nuclear reactor vessel which comprises the step of positioning a substantially dish-shaped slab of unenriched uranium dioxide having a melting temperature on the order of that of said reactor fuel and having a density greater than that of the molten fuel and having a relatively low thermal conductivity below the molten fuel for collecting and retaining the same, said slab having a size so as to extend beyond the reactor vessel, and being disposed substantially concentric with said reactor vessel and having a size sufficient to contain the molten fuel and having a thickness sufficient to prevent the molten fuel from melting through said slab.
References Cited (Backward Citations)
USPTO Annuity & Maintenance Windows
| Annuity Stage | Window Opens | Payment Deadline | Surcharge Period Until | Estimated Fee | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.5 Years (Year 4) | 1974-12-20 | 1975-06-21 | 1975-12-21 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 1978-12-20 | 1979-06-21 | 1979-12-21 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 1982-12-20 | 1983-06-21 | 1983-12-21 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |