Nuclear reactor vessel cooling system - esp. using liquid sodium with annular flow controlled by series of vertical ducts

摘要

A liquid metal cooled nuclear reactor has a cylindrical main vessel defining an annular space with a cylindrical shell. Cold coolant is introduced at this space. A second shell or baffle defines an annular discharge space with the first shell. The cold coolant flows over the top edge of the first shell. The overflowing liquid sheet does not detach from the shell wall. The flow rate is limited by flow devices in the discharge space regularly located about the shell. Each device has a vertical duct opening below the minimum coolant level. The arrangement cools the main vessel of e.g. a sodium cooled fast reactor. Efficient cooling is ensured even if the baffle is not horizontal and local flow is interrupted.