US3882313A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Concentric annular tanks
Assignee: Westinghouse Electric Corp
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Filing: 1972-11-07
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Granted: 1975-05-06
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Expires: 1992-11-07
Abstract
Abstract Concentric annular tanks for the storage of solutions containing fissile materials are disclosed. By placing an appropriate neutron isolator between each of the annular tanks, a critical fissile mass can be avoided and additional annular tanks can be added to achieve a desired total volume and maximum floor space usage. In one embodiment the individual tanks are communicatively coupled at at least one location to equalize the fluid level within the corresponding tanks. The couplings are adaptable for the accession of additional concentric annular tanks to accommodate a larger storage volume.
Inventors
- 👤 Jr Dan H Siemens
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-10-30 01:37
CPC Classifications
G; G21; G21F; G21F5/00; G21F5/005; G21C; G21C19/00; G21C19/40; Y; Y02; Y02E; Y02E30/00; Y02E30/30
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 9
Claim 1
Independent Claim
147 words
Concentric annular tanks with isolation for the storage of solutions containing nuclear materials comprising: a first annular hollow tank having a tubular inside and outside wall concentrically formed with a bottom plate sealably affixed therebetween at one of the corresponding tubular end terminations so as to form the bottom wall thereof; a second annular hollow tank having a tubular inside and outside wall concentrically formed with a bottom plate sealably affixed therebetween at one of the corresponding tubular end terminations so as to form the bottom wall thereof, said second tank being concentrically positioned within the interior annular opening formed by said inside wall of said first tank; and isolation means associated with said first and second tanks having a neutron capture cross section sufficient to guard against the formation of a critical mass of nuclear material between the storage contents of said first and second tanks.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
147 words
Concentric annular tanks with isolation for the storage of solutions containing nuclear materials comprising: a first annular hollow tank having a tubular inside and outside wall concentrically formed with a bottom plate sealably affixed therebetween at one of the corresponding tubular end terminations so as to form the bottom wall thereof; a second annular hollow tank having a tubular inside and outside wall concentrically formed with a bottom plate sealably affixed therebetween at one of the corresponding tubular end terminations so as to form the bottom wall thereof, said second tank being concentrically positioned within the interior annular opening formed by said inside wall of said first tank; and isolation means associated with said first and second tanks having a neutron capture cross section sufficient to guard against the formation of a critical mass of nuclear material between the storage contents of said first and second tanks.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
41 words
The concentric annular tanks of claim 1 including fluid coupling means positioned substanTially adjacent the corresponding bottom walls of the said first and second tanks and communicatively coupling the interior of said first tank with the interior of said second tank.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
38 words
The concentric annular tanks of claim 2 including conduit means associated with said outside wall of said first tank substantially adjacent the bottom wall thereof for communicatively coupling the interior of said first tank with the exterior thereof.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
32 words
The concentric annular tanks of claim 3 wherein said conduit means and said fluid coupling means are aligned along a common diameter of the common annuli of said first and second tanks.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
164 words
The concentric annular tanks of claim 4 including: a third annular hollow tank having a tubular inside and outside wall concentrically formed with a bottom plate sealably affixed therebetween at one of the corresponding tubular end terminations so as to form the bottom wall thereof, said first tank being concentrically positioned within the interior annular opening formed by said inside wall of said third tank; second fluid coupling means associated with said inner wall of said third tank substantially adjacent the bottom wall thereof and aligned along the common diameter of said conduit means, said second fluid coupling means being adaptable to interconnect with said conduit means so as to communicatively couple the interior of said first tank with the interior of said third tank; and isolation means associated with said first and third tanks having a neutron capture cross section sufficient to guard against the formation of a critical mass of nuclear material between the storage contents of said first and third tanks.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
49 words
The concentric annular tanks of claim 4 wherein said bottom walls of said first and second tanks are sloped along the diameter of said conduit means in a direction to assist gravity from said second tank to said first tank through said fluid coupling means to said conduit means.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
35 words
The concentric annular tanks of claim 1 wherein said isolation means comprises an annular casing of concrete closely received between the inner wall of said first tank and the outer wall of said second tank.
Claim 9
Dependent Claim
62 words
The concentric annular tanks of claim 1 including a neutron isolator closely received within the annular opening formed by the inside wall of said second tank and lining the exterior surface area thereof, said isolator having a neutron capture cross section sufficient to guard against the formation of a critical mass of nuclear material within the storage contents of said second tank.
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USPTO Annuity & Maintenance Windows
| Annuity Stage | Window Opens | Payment Deadline | Surcharge Period Until | Estimated Fee | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.5 Years (Year 4) | 1978-05-05 | 1978-11-04 | 1979-05-06 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 1982-05-05 | 1982-11-04 | 1983-05-06 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 1986-05-05 | 1986-11-04 | 1987-05-06 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |