US3853701A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Nuclear reactor core assembly
Assignee: Toshiba Corp
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Filing: 1971-12-28
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Granted: 1974-12-10
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Expires: 1991-12-28
Abstract
Abstract A structure is disclosed for rendering nuclear reactor cores, particularly the fluid cooled type, more resistant to earthquake shocks and similar vibrations. The structure includes an upper framework including a plurality of leaf spring members for resiliently supporting upper end portions of the reactor fuel bundles. In addition, vertically oriented, rectangular shaped baffles are appropriately positioned throughout the reactor core to restrain movement of the coolant fluid.
Inventors
- 👤 Y Sasaki
- 👤 H Tomita
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-11-06 04:26
CPC Classifications
G; G21; G21C; G21C5/00; G21C5/02; G21C5/06; Y; Y02; Y02E; Y02E30/00; Y02E30/30
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 5
Claim 1
Independent Claim
163 words
A fluid cooled nuclear reactor core structure, comprising: a plurality of substantially parallel, elongated fuel bundles each having a plurality of substantially parallel, elongated fuel rods encased therein; a bottom grid structure positioned transverse to said fuel bundles having supporting means for engaging the bottom ends of each of said fuel bundles and means for inserting control rods therethrough; a top grid structure positioned transverse to said fuel bundles formed by a plurality of intersecting frames members which form a plurality of framework openings each having a plurality of substantially flat side surfaces which face and support the upper portion of said fuel bundles, each one of said fuel bundles extending through and being supported within a separate one of said openings; and a plurality of leaf springs, each one of which is secured to each of said side surfaces of said framework openings which faces said upper portion of said fuel bundles for resiliently supporting said fuel bundles in a transverse direction.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
163 words
A fluid cooled nuclear reactor core structure, comprising: a plurality of substantially parallel, elongated fuel bundles each having a plurality of substantially parallel, elongated fuel rods encased therein; a bottom grid structure positioned transverse to said fuel bundles having supporting means for engaging the bottom ends of each of said fuel bundles and means for inserting control rods therethrough; a top grid structure positioned transverse to said fuel bundles formed by a plurality of intersecting frames members which form a plurality of framework openings each having a plurality of substantially flat side surfaces which face and support the upper portion of said fuel bundles, each one of said fuel bundles extending through and being supported within a separate one of said openings; and a plurality of leaf springs, each one of which is secured to each of said side surfaces of said framework openings which faces said upper portion of said fuel bundles for resiliently supporting said fuel bundles in a transverse direction.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
125 words
A fluid cooled nuclear reactor core structure according to claim 1, further comprising: a plurality of vertically oriented baffle members of elongated, substantially rectangular shape, each having a plurality of through holes and composed of a material having relatively small neutron flux absorption characteristics, said baffle members secured at their upper ends to the underside of said top grid structure so as to be disposed among said fuel bundles at positions where control rods are not inserted, said baffle members further oriented in alternating directions in said core structure such that the elongated edge of each member is substantially perpendicular to the next adjacent member, whereby movement of said fluid coolant is restricted in a direction transverse to said fuel bundles within said core structure.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
192 words
A fluid cooled nuclear reactor core structure having a plurality of substantially parallel, elongated fuel bundles comprising: a top grid structure positioned transverse to said fuel bundles formed by a plurality of intersecting frame members which form a plurality of framework openings for supporting the upper portions of said fuel bundles; a bottom grid structure positioned transverse to said fuel bundles; supporting means provided on said bottom grid structure for engaging bottom ends of each of said fuel bundles; means for inserting control rods through said bottom grid structure; and, vertically oriented baffle members of elongated, substantially rectangular shape, each having a plurality of through holes and composed of a material having relatively small neutron flux absorption characteristics, said baffle members oriented in alternating directions in said core structure such that the elongated edge of each member is substantially perpendicular to the next adjacent member, said baffle members further secured at their upper ends to the underside of said top grid structure and disposed among said fuel bundles at positions where control rods are not inserted, whereby movement of said fluid coolant is restricted in a direction transverse to said fuel bundles.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
192 words
A fluid cooled nuclear reactor core structure having a plurality of substantially parallel, elongated fuel bundles comprising: a top grid structure positioned transverse to said fuel bundles formed by a plurality of intersecting frame members which form a plurality of framework openings for supporting the upper portions of said fuel bundles; a bottom grid structure positioned transverse to said fuel bundles; supporting means provided on said bottom grid structure for engaging bottom ends of each of said fuel bundles; means for inserting control rods through said bottom grid structure; and, vertically oriented baffle members of elongated, substantially rectangular shape, each having a plurality of through holes and composed of a material having relatively small neutron flux absorption characteristics, said baffle members oriented in alternating directions in said core structure such that the elongated edge of each member is substantially perpendicular to the next adjacent member, said baffle members further secured at their upper ends to the underside of said top grid structure and disposed among said fuel bundles at positions where control rods are not inserted, whereby movement of said fluid coolant is restricted in a direction transverse to said fuel bundles.
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) | 1977-12-09 | 1978-06-10 | 1978-12-10 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 1981-12-09 | 1982-06-10 | 1982-12-10 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 1985-12-09 | 1986-06-10 | 1986-12-10 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |