Barrett J Short

US Patent:

40615359, Dec 6, 1977

Filed:

Mar 25, 1976

Appl. No.:

5/670314

Inventors:

John Howard Nolan - Lynchburg VA
Donald Lawrence Goddard - Lynchburg VA
Barrett John Short - Lynchburg VA

Assignee:

The Babcock & Wilcox Company - New York NY

International Classification:

G21C 900

US Classification:

176 38

Abstract:

An illustrative embodiment of the invention provides pressure relief valve means for the core support cylinder of a nuclear reactor vessel during a failure or accident of the nuclear reactor system. The valve means is responsive to differential pressure across the valve which in one direction sealably seats the valve plate against the valve body, and which, in the other direction opens the valve for pressure relief of the cylinder. Moreover, the valve means is provided with energy absorbing means which limit the impact load of an "explosively" opening valve on the reactor vessel wall.

US Patent:

50874128, Feb 11, 1992

Filed:

Sep 15, 1989

Appl. No.:

7/407515

Inventors:

Billy E. Bingham - Lynchburg VA
John R. Coiner - Lynchburg VA
William G. Pettus - Monroe VA
Barrett J. Short - Lynchburg VA

Assignee:

The Babcock & Wilcox Company - New Orleans LA

International Classification:

G21C 1500

US Classification:

376368

Abstract:

A nuclear reactor using gas as a primary coolant and a liquid as a moderator and/or reflector. Gas coolant flows through inlet passages around the outlet plenum to a distributor plate. The gas is directed between fuel element housing thimbles and fuel elements therein, through the fuel elements, and into the reactor outlet plenum. Fins on the thimble housings conduct heat to the gas from a liquid moderator circulating in the core. The use of a liquid moderator enhances safety, allows the fissile material and reactor mass to be reduced and eliminates problems associated with cooling of a solid moderator.