Dynamic pressure chamber for use in a nuclear reactor pressure vessel - using inert gas or neutron absorbing fluid to fill chamber, increasing core containment safety limits

摘要

A dynamic pressure chamber (1) for use in a nuclear ractor pressure vessel. Its purpose is to raise the safety imaging and to reduce the likelihood of the pressure vessel rupturing. This is achieved by reducing brittleness caused by the high neutron flux and thermal shocks, esp. near the main seam welds in the pressure vessel near the core. The circular dynamic pressure chamber (1) is mounted in a strain free manner, from either the upper (2) or lower (3) shell of the reactor pressure vessel. The dynamic pressure vessel (1) is filled with gas e.g. nitrogen or an inert gas or a neutron absorbing fluid e.g. a soln. contg. 2200 to 7000 ppm of boron. USE/ADVANTAGE - The dynamic pressure chamber increases safety margins, and guards against thermal shocks caused by a pressure step of ratio greater than 1:2. Reactor core containment is therefore guaranteed. The dynamic pressure chamber also provides extra biological protection and ensures the reactor presure vessel operates within its defined safety limits over the reactors lifetime.