US3838658A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Steady heat generating reactor
Assignee: United States Department of the Navy
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Filing: 1973-04-17
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Granted: 1974-10-01
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Expires: 1993-04-17
Abstract
Abstract A steadily operating reactor system employing a molten alkali metal as a fuel and a halogen or halogenated gas or liquid as an oxidizer includes a main reactor vessel which is continuously supplied with fuel and oxidizer. Reaction products generated during the reaction form a separate product-rich, liquid layer in the molten alkali metal, which layer is removed from the reactor vessel. In one embodiment, a trap connected to a storage tank may be heated to cause the separation of unreacted fuel and reaction products in the product-rich layer. A pump system connected to the tank removes the unreacted fuel for reintroduction to the main reactor vessel.
Inventors
- 👤 G Faeth
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-11-08 20:48
CPC Classifications
F; F42; F42B; F42B19/00; F42B19/12; F42B19/14; F42B19/18; F42B19/20
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 11
Claim 1
Independent Claim
97 words
A heat generating reactor system using an alkali metal fuel and an oxidizer from the group consisting of halogen or halogenated fluids, said fuel and oxidizer combining to produce a reaction product, said reactor system comprising: a reactor vessel; a fuel tank means connected to said reactor vessel for continually filling said vessel with fuel; an oxidizer tank connected to said reactor vessel; means for controlling the flow of oxidizer from said oxidizer tank to said reactor vessel; and means for removing the reaction product produced in said vessel during the reaction of the fuel and oxidizer.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
97 words
A heat generating reactor system using an alkali metal fuel and an oxidizer from the group consisting of halogen or halogenated fluids, said fuel and oxidizer combining to produce a reaction product, said reactor system comprising: a reactor vessel; a fuel tank means connected to said reactor vessel for continually filling said vessel with fuel; an oxidizer tank connected to said reactor vessel; means for controlling the flow of oxidizer from said oxidizer tank to said reactor vessel; and means for removing the reaction product produced in said vessel during the reaction of the fuel and oxidizer.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
62 words
The heat generating reactor system of claim 1 wherein the oxidizer flow controlling means comprises: a flow line connected at one end to said oxidizer tank; an injector nozzle in the top of said reactor vessel, said nozzle being connected to the other end of said flow line; and valve means for regulating the pressure of said oxidizer in said flow line.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
29 words
The heat generating reactor system of claim 1 further comprising means for separating any unreacted fuel from the reaction products and returning the unreacted fuel to said fuel tank.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
32 words
The heat generating reactor system of claim 3 wherein the removing means comprises: a trap extending through the bottom of said reactor vessel; and a product storage tank connected to said trap.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
72 words
The heat generating reactor system of claim 4 wherein the separating means comprises: means for heating said product storage tank; line means connected at one end to said product storage tank and at the other end to said fuel tank for removing the unreacted fuel as the unreacted fuel separates from the more dense reaction products; and a pump in said line means for pumping the unreacted fuel to said fuel tank.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
62 words
The heat generating reactor system of claim 5 wherein the oxidizer flow controlling means comprises: a flow line connected at one end to said oxidizer tank; an injector nozzle in the top of said reactor vessel, said nozzle being connected to the other end of said flow line; and valve means for regulating the pressure of said oxidizer in said flow line.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
69 words
The heat generating reactor system of claim 3 wherein the removing means and separating means comprises: a product tank directly connected to and forming the bottom of said reactor vessel; a product removal line connected to the bottom of said product tank; and a recirculation leg connected at one end to the top of said product tank and at the other end to the top of said reactor vessel.
Claim 9
Dependent Claim
62 words
The heat generating reactor system of claim 7 wherein the oxidizer flow controlling means comprises: a flow line connected at one end to said oxidizer tank; an injector nozzle in the top of said reactor vessel, said nozzle being connected to the other end of said flow line; and valve means for regulating the pressure of said oxidizer in said flow line.
Claim 10
Dependent Claim
174 words
A heat-generating reactor system for use in a torpedo having a propellor, said system using an alkali metal fuel and an oxidizer from the group consisting of halogen or halogenated fluids, said fuel and oxidizer combining to produce a reaction product, said reactor system comprising: a reactor vessel; fuel tank means connected to said reactor vessel for continually filling said vessel with fuel; an oxidizer tank connected to said reactor vessel; means for controlling the flow of oxidizer from said oxidizer tank to said reactor vessel; means for removing the reaction product produced in said vessel during the reaction of the fuel and oxidizer; heat exchange means for removing the thermal energy from said reactor vessel generated by the reaction of said fuel and oxidizer; turbine means connected to said heat exchange means for converting the thermal energy into mechanical energy for driving a propellor; and condenser means adapted for mounting within the hull of a torpedo having an inlet connected to said turbine means and an outlet connected to said heat exchange means.
Claim 11
Dependent Claim
174 words
A heat-generating reactor system for use in a torpedo having a propellor, said system using an alkali metal fuel and an oxidizer from the group consisting of halogen or halogenated fluids, said fuel and oxidizer combining to produce a reaction product, said reactor system comprising: a reactor vessel; fuel tank means connected to said reactor vessel for continually filling said vessel with fuel; an oxidizer tank connected to said reactor vessel; means for controlling the flow of oxidizer from said oxidizer tank to said reactor vessel; means for removing the reaction product produced in said vessel during the reaction of the fuel and oxidizer; heat exchange means for removing the thermal energy from said reactor vessel generated by the reaction of said fuel and oxidizer; turbine means connected to said heat exchange means for converting the thermal energy into mechanical energy for driving a propellor; and condenser means adapted for mounting within the hull of a torpedo having an inlet connected to said turbine means and an outlet connected to said heat exchange means.
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) | 1977-09-30 | 1978-04-01 | 1978-10-01 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 1981-09-30 | 1982-04-01 | 1982-10-01 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 1985-09-30 | 1986-04-01 | 1986-10-01 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |