Commissariat a L'energie Atomique

Paul Lambert

Michel Aubert

Guy Lemercier

Robert Artaud

Jean Lallement

Rene Chevallier

Gilbert Chevallier

Jean-Pierre Benque

Andre Andreani

The invention relates to a nuclear reactor cooled by a liquid metal contained in a vessel obturated by upper closing means, said latter essentially being constituted by a slab and rotating plugs. The upper closing means comprise at least one circuit for circulation of a cooling gas or liquid, this circuit being provided with means for maintaining the closing means at a homogeneous temperature at least equal to 100.degree. C. and preferably close to 120.degree. C. The invention is applicable to the production of less cumbersome and less expensive fast neutron nuclear reactors.

Fast neutron nuclear reactors

A first annular space is formed between a cylindrical baffle and the reactor vessel and a second annular space is formed between the baffle and a counter-baffle. The level of liquid metal coolant is free within the two annular spaces which are separated by the baffle. The top edge of the baffle has a profile such that they supply of 'cold' liquid metal which overflows into the discharge space takes place without breaking away from the baffle wall.

Nuclear reactor

Process and apparatus for cooling the wall of the vessel of a fast neutron reactor comprising a main vessel which surrounds a second vessel containing the core and separating a volume of liquid metal contained in the main vessel into two regions called the hot collector and the cold collector respectively. The liquid metal drawn into the cold collector and passed through the core to the hot collector is circulated by means of pumps distributed around the core. A baffle and a counter-baffle are arranged concentrically to the main vessel wall and respectively define a first and second annular space issuing into the cold collector. The first annular space is traversed by a tapped flow of cooling liquid metal circulating from bottom to top in the first space in contact with the main vessel wall up to an upper constant level adjacent to the edge of the baffle. The liquid metal is poured into the second space up to a lower level corresponding to the free surface of the cold collector via helical channels in contact with the baffle wall directed towards the inside of the main vessel.

Process and apparatus for cooling the wall of the vessel of a fast

A hollow metallic ring structure is secured to the periphery of the diagrid support and located within an internal annular space formed between the lateral neutron shield of the reactor core and an inner tank placed within a primary vessel. The ring structure is smaller in width than the annular space, has a maximum height equal to that of the reactor core, and is provided with partition-walls and holes for producing pressure drops and reducing convection currents.

Growing community of inventors

Echirolles, France

Paul Lambert