Pebble bed reactor thrust rod between side reflector and shield - has compression spring accessible from outside shield and articulated connections

摘要

A support device for transmitting generally radial forces from the side reflector of a gas-cooled, high-temperature reactor to the surrounding thermal side shield consists of a bolt (32) passing from the side reflector (16) through a penetration in the side thermal shield (17) and thrusting against a spring packet (33) imprisoned in a casing (42) fixed to the outer face of the thermal side shield and located in the comparatively cool circulating gas space between side shield and pressure vessel wall. The casing (42) is gastight and can be released by remote operation. Used for transmitting the radial forces from the side reflector, consisting of graphite blocks, to the surrounding thermal shield possessing structural strength. The arrangement enables the thrust elements to be easily inspected and maintained from the annular zone outside the thermal shield.