| 摘要 |
908,305. Moderators. UNITED KINGDOM ATOMIC ENERGY AUTHORITY. June 23, 1961 [July 1, 1960], No. 23196/60. Class 39 (4). In a gas-cooled graphite moderated nuclear reactor, the moderator blocks are suspended from flexible wires or rods to allow for the effects of irradiation induced dimension changes. As shown, the wires 6, attached to the structure 7 support the columns of graphite blocks 4 through which are cut the channels 8 for the fuel elements 9. The latter are supported on cables 10 fixed in shield plugs 46. Control rods 60 are suspended from chains 61 of the drive mechanism. The carbon dioxide coolant is constrained to flow upwards through channels 8 by the gas seal 14. Each block is supported from the wires by collars 17 which contact the shoulders 18. Graphite sleeves 20 are inserted round the wires in the drillings 19. To prevent coolant leakage from channels 8, the graphite sleeves 21 are fitted between blocks. In alternative forms, not shown, the wires may be replaced by rods which are connected by ball-andsocket joints to give flexibility. To reduce the amount of neutron absorbing material in the core the wires or rods may be given a downwards taper. Each column of blocks may be supported from a single central wire with the fuel channels cut at each side. Adjacent blocks may be coupled together at their side faces by carbon keys and the lower end of each column may be located by a spigot which penetrates into the channel 8. Specification 784,291 is referred to. |
