A process for producing energy from fissile material

摘要

957,955. Reactors. SIEMENS-SCHUCKERTWERKE A.G. Aug. 3,1961 [Aug. 3, 1960], No. 28284/61. Addition to 933,225. Heading G6C. Critical zones of particulate nuclear fuel are formed in a reactor vessel by means of forced vortex flow of a coolant, the coolant being injected tangentially and at an oblique angle into the vessel so as to form a potential flow (v # kr-1) having axial and angular components of velocity, and by means of a rough ground (a point in the potential flow at which the axial component is reduced to zero) to form a rotary flow (v = kr) having an angular component of the same sense as the potential flow, and an axial component of opposite sense to the potential flow, thereby creating a cylindrical tube shaped zone in the coolant, and spaced from the container wall, in which the particulate fuel is constrained. Thus, as seen in Fig. 1 the coolant, gas, liquid, or molten metal (carbon dioxide, helium; water, heavy water, sodium) enters the reactor through oblique tangential ports 2, 3, 4, 5, 6 and forms an outer downwardly moving potential flow to the reactor base of which, depending on initial zone requirements, may be concave, flat, or convex. The rotary flow 9 is directed upwards around a moderating flow control member 14 (graphite or beryllium), and out through the reactor apex to a heat exchanger. Thus a zone 17 is formed in which the particulate fuel is restrained since in a vortex system containing particles, it is inherent that the particles will migrate from streamlines of higher velocity to streamlines of lower velocity. A further vortex 11 is arranged in the coolant outlet duct to remove any fuel in the coolant, and return it via the pipe 12 to to the reactor. Alternatively, particle separation nozzles 13 may be used, supplying fresh coolant. Ducts 18,19 are provided for removing and replacing fuel, either continuously or periodically. When the reactor coolant is not circulating, it collects in a ring shaped mound 16 on the reactor base, this formation of the fuel being non-critical. The particulate fuel may be thorium, plutonium, uranium, in oxide or carbide form, or the corresponding nitride, hydride, silicide, sulphide or cermet. The reactor vessel can be lined with a breeder casing, and any additional regulating devices included in the lining. Since the reactor will function entirely independently of its altitude in space, it may be of use in the propulsion of ships and aircraft. Specification 939,687 also is referred to.