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Nuclear reactor alignment plate configuration

A nuclear reactor, aligning plate technology, used in reactors, nuclear engineering, nuclear power generation, etc.

Active Publication Date: 2009-11-18
WESTINGHOUSE ELECTRIC CORP
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  • Summary
  • Abstract
  • Description
  • Claims
  • Application Information

AI Technical Summary

Problems solved by technology

This is especially challenging when considering the thermal expansion and contraction that must be tolerated during a power ramp and cool down sequence where temperatures can vary between 50°F (10°C) and 580°F (304°C)

Method used

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  • Nuclear reactor alignment plate configuration
  • Nuclear reactor alignment plate configuration
  • Nuclear reactor alignment plate configuration

Examples

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Embodiment Construction

[0016] Referring now to the drawings, Figure 2 shows a simplified nuclear reactor primary system comprising a generally cylindrical reactor pressure vessel (10) having an outer shell head (12) enclosing a nuclear core (14). A liquid reactor coolant, such as water, is pumped by a pump (16) into a vessel (10) through the core (14) where thermal energy is absorbed and discharged to a heat exchanger (typically called steam generator) in which heat is transferred to a utilization circuit (not shown) such as a steam driven turbine generator. The reactor coolant is then returned to the pump (16), completing the primary loop. Typically, multiple circuits as described above are connected to a single reactor vessel (10) by reactor coolant piping (20).

[0017] An exemplary reactor design is shown in more detail in FIG. 3 . In addition to the core (14) comprising a plurality of parallel, vertically co-extending fuel assemblies (22), for purposes of this description, other vessel interi...

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PUM

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Abstract

An alignment plate that is attached to a core barrel of a pressurized water reactor and fits within slots within a top plate of a lower core shroud and upper core plate to maintain lateral alignment of the reactor internals. The alignment plate is connected to the core barrel through two vertically-spaced dowel pins that extend from the outside surface of the core barrel through a reinforcement pad and into corresponding holes in the alignment plate. Additionally, threaded fasteners are inserted around the perimeter of the reinforcement pad and into the alignment plate to further secure the alignment plate to the core barrel. A fillet weld also is deposited around the perimeter of the reinforcement pad. To accommodate thermal growth between the alignment plate and the core barrel, a gap isleft above, below and at both sides of one of the dowel pins in the alignment plate holes through which the dowel pins pass.

Description

[0001] government interest [0002] This invention was made with government support (Contract No. DE-FC07-05ID14636 awarded by the Department of Energy). The government has certain rights in this invention. [0003] Cross References to Related Applications [0001] This application benefits from US Provisional Patent Application No. 60 / 883,072, filed January 2, 2007. technical field [0002] The present invention relates generally to nuclear reactor internals, and more particularly to apparatus for maintaining alignment of nuclear reactor internals while allowing thermal growth. Background technique [0003] The primary side of a water-cooled nuclear reactor power generation system under pressure includes a closed loop that is isolated from, and in heat exchange relationship with, a secondary side for generating useful energy. The primary side includes: the reactor vessel enclosing the core that supports multiple fuel assemblies containing fissionable material; the pri...

Claims

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Application Information

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Patent Type & Authority Applications(China)
IPC IPC(8): G21C1/00
CPCG21Y2004/30G21Y2002/302G21C13/024G21C19/19G21Y2002/402Y02E30/40G21C13/04Y02E30/30G21C1/00
Inventor D·A·阿尔特曼D·R·福塞斯R·E·史密斯N·R·辛格尔顿
Owner WESTINGHOUSE ELECTRIC CORP
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