Fast neutron nuclear reactor outlet duct for molten sodium pump - is suspended in cardan mounting and ends in sliding joint, so thermal stresses are minimised

摘要

The reactor includes a main vessel filled with molten metal, and contg. a core resting on a stand(a). At least one heat exchanger is immersed in the molten metal together with a pump suspended from the reactor roof. The molten metal flows downwards through the exchangers to heat a sec. fluid. The molten metal then enters the pump, which has an outlet duct(b) suspended from a cardan mounting. The bottom end of duct(b) can slide freely in a spherical duct(c) with outlet pipes(d) delivering the molten metal to stand(a). From stand(a), the molten metal flows up the core, and thus back to the heat exchangers. The cardan mounting and the sliding joint for duct(b) permit the expansion and contraction of the pump outlet ducts, thus minimising thermal stresses.