Device for removing coolant samples from a nuclear reactor container

摘要

Crucible (12) for taking samples out of the coolant (2) (preferably liquid metal) are immersed in a mounting (11) into the coolant by means of a cable winch (15, 16) and then drawn out again, flotation forces being overcome by means of a weight (10), which is used at the same time as a stopper for closing a transportable container (8) which is flanged (6, 7) on the reactor lid (1), the connection being able to be shut off by means of slides (4, 9). The drive of the cable drum is carried out by means of a turbine (17) which is supplied from a store (18) with the same gas which covers the intermediate space between the reactor lid (1) and coolant (2) but at a higher pressure. Thanks to an intermediately-connected worm drive (21, 22), the drive is self-locking. The direction of rotation of the cable drum (16) is maintained, so that the cable is first completely unwound in one direction of rotation and subsequently wound up again in the other direction of rotation. If this process is terminated, a renewed inadvertent initiation of the device is not possible. Likewise, if the pressurised gas supply is inadvertently not turned off, this is also harmless. Contamination of the container (8) by gas rising out of the reactor is not possible. <IMAGE>