Combinatorial heterogeneous-homogeneous reactor

摘要

A combinatorial heterogeneous-homogeneous reactor configuration in which an array or groups of homogeneous fuel assemblies are interlinked together in a heterogeneous lattice. The present invention removes the limitation of a homogeneous reactor by providing a reactor concept that utilizes the inherent advantages of homogeneous fuel elements but in a heterogeneous fuel lattice arrangement that limits the power density of any one homogeneous fuel element and yet forms a reactor arrangement that is capable of producing any product demand of interest. The present invention provides a method for producing medical isotopes by the use of a modular reactor core comprised of homogeneous fuel assemblies arranged in a regular rectangular or triangular pitch lattice. The aqueous fuel solution is contained within individual fuel assemblies that are right circular cylinders clad in corrosion-resistant alloys such as stainless steel, zircalloy, zircalloy alloys, or other metal alloys that are resistant to corrosive fissile environments but preserve neutron economy. The fuel assemblies are supported below by a core plate that is tied directly to the lower reactor support structure. The bottom of each assembly opens into a common plenum area which provides a hydrodynamic communication/coupling path between the individual assemblies in the lattice. The fuel assemblies are supported above by an upper plate that is welded to each assembly tube. The top of each assembly opens to a common upper plenum which provides a means of thermodynamic pressure equalization among the four assemblies in the reactor core lattice.

主权项

1. A liquid fuel combinatorial medical isotope production reactor arrangement, comprising:
a. a modular reactor core having groups of symmetric homogeneous fuel assemblies interlinked together by a common upper plenum in a heterogeneous lattice arranged in a regular lattice; b. an individual and removable cooling arrangement, reflux condenser, and sweep gas circuit for each homogeneous fuel assembly group; c. a closed fuel circulation region within the reactor core; d. a closed loop reactor cooling arrangement; and e. a semi-closed loop radiolytic gas management arrangement being in fluid communication with the upper plenum.