X-Energy, LLC

Alex Tilton

A system for transporting hazardous particles includes a pneumatic conveyer for conveying the hazardous particles to an exit using a carrier gas; and an input mechanism for conveying the hazardous particles to the pneumatic conveyer. The input mechanism includes a tubular chamber for receiving the hazardous particles; an input pipe extending from the tubular chamber for conveying the hazardous particles into the tubular chamber; and an output pipe extending from a bottom of the tubular chamber. The output pipe includes an upper valve movable between a closed position and an open position, a middle valve movable between a closed position and an open position, and a lower valve. The upper valve and the middle valve, when in their respective closed positions, define a storage chamber for storing a portion of the hazardous particles. The upper valve in its open position allows the portion of the hazardous particles to enter the storage chamber, and the middle valve in its open position allows the portion of the hazardous particles in the storage chamber to flow to the lower valve. The lower valve is configured to convey the hazardous particles from the storage chamber to the pneumatic conveyer in a gradual fashion.

System for pneumatic transport of particles of a hazardous substance

An improved system for receiving and storing a radioactive salt solution includes a tank configured to receive the radioactive salt solution while preventing criticality accidents, a solution inlet for carrying the radioactive salt solution to the tank, an overflow bottle, and a cap sealing the top end of the tank. The cap includes a lateral wye fitting having a lateral pipe configured to direct the radioactive salt solution from the solution inlet into the tank, a vertical pipe configured to direct gases from the tank to a ventilation system, and an overflow line configured to carry excess radioactive salt solution from the tank to the overflow tank. An air gap between the lateral pipe and the solution inlet prevents backflow of the radioactive salt solution into the solution inlet. A control system includes a level switch configured to provide a signal that the tank contains a maximum volume of the radioactive salt solution, a first valve configured to terminate flow of the radioactive salt solution to the lateral pipe upon receipt of the signal from the level switch; and a second valve configured to allow flow of the radioactive salt solution from the tank to the overflow line.

Growing community of inventors

Knoxville, TN, United States of America

Alex Tilton