Combined storage tank and sump for nuclear reactor

Claim 1

A nuclear reactor system comprising: a closed containment structure providing a containment atmosphere therewithin; a reactor vessel within said containment structure having a nuclear core therein, a coolant inlet opening and a coolant outlet opening; primary coolant conducting means coupled to said inlet and outlet opening for providing a closed primary fluid circulating loop; a coolant pump for said circulating loop interposed in said primary conducting means; a combined storage tank and sump within said containment structure for storing a supply of emergency coolant and for accumulating any coolant fluid discharged into said containment atmosphere; conduit means for conducting coolant from said combined storage tank and sump to said primary coolant conducting means; means for driving the emergency coolant from said tank into said primary coolant conducting means in the event of a loss of coolant accident in said reactor system; a heat exchange means interposed in said primary coolant conducting means between said outlet opening in said reactor vessel and said coolant pump, said heat exchange means having secondary coolant conducting means in heat exchange relationship with said primary coolant conducting means; a vent line coupled to said secondary coolant conducting means; a pressure relief safety valve interposed in said vent line within said containment structure for releasing fluid in said secondary coolant conducting means in order to lower the pressure therein; a discharge line connected to said pressure relief safety valve and in fluid communication with said combined storage tank and sump for discharging released fluid from said safety valve thereinto; a pressurizer for controlling the pressure of the coolant in said primary coolant conducting means; a second pressure relief safety valve coupled to said pressurizer for releasing fluid contained therein in order to lower the pressure in said primary coolant conducting means; and a second discharge line connected to said second safety valve and in fluid communication with said combined storage tank and sump for discharging released fluid from said second safety valve thereinto.