Reactor ceiling brick suspension - by telescopic tie rods with compression spring links

摘要

Three layers of graphite bricks with spacers in the reflector ceiling of a reactor are supported by horizontal inner and outer retainer bolts. The former is screwed to an inner tie rod and the latter to an outer telescopic tie rod. The load is transmitted to the shield through the tie rod. The inner tie rod is also joined by a nut to a core tie rod. Stacks of springs support the top ends of the respective tie rods and are normally unstressed. Compression of stack indicates a fracture of tie rod and that of stack a fracture of tie rod. If one or both outer tie rods snap, one or both sets of springs will be compressed, thus furnishing a clear visible indication that a repair is needed.