Insulation for nuclear reactors - comprising panels of metal sheets enclosing air, with deformable edges preventing convection but allowing thermal expansion

摘要

An insulation partic. for a nuclear reactor, between the outer periphery of the reactor pressure vessel and the inner periphery of the concrete biological shield, consists of rectangular metal sheets with separators between them, enclosing air; the edges of the sheets are folded into a V form giving the edges a dimensional elasticity. When the panels are pressed together the edges are deformed over a distance determined by the separators and the sheets form panels which are fluid tight and in which convection cannot take place. The arrangement provides an insulation in which convection is effectively prevented in and between the panels but such that the different panels form in the packed state a standardised element which can be made economically and installed easily. The element has the necessary rigidity and constant dimensions but in spite of its fluid-tightness in its marginal zone, the different sheets can expand freely in length and width without thermal strain. Marginal bands on each panel are not necessary.