Enhanced graphite neutron reflector with beryllium oxide inclusions
AssigneeWestinghouse Electric Corp.
InventorsYuriy Aleshin, Alex Levinsky, Matthew R. Heisel, Stuart T. Kellner
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Abstract
A nuclear reactor is disclosed including a reactor core and a reflector assembly surrounding the reactor core. The reflector assembly includes a stationary reflector component including a graphite support structure comprising a plurality of channels defined therein and a plurality of beryllium-oxide pins positioned in the channels.
Claims20
A nuclear reactor, comprising:
- a reactor core;
- and
- a reflector assembly surrounding the reactor core, wherein the reflector assembly comprises:
- a stationary reflector component stationary during operation of the nuclear reactor, wherein the stationary reflector component comprises:
- a graphite support structure defining a plurality of channels;
- and
- a beryllium-oxide pin positioned in each of the channels, wherein each beryllium-oxide pin is supported by and removable from the respective channel;
- and
- a movable reflector component movable during operation of the nuclear reactor, wherein the movable reflector component comprises a plurality of control drums rotatable relative to the stationary reflector component.
A reflector assembly usable with a nuclear reactor comprising a reactor core, wherein the reflector assembly is configured to surround the reactor core, and wherein the reflector assembly comprises:
- a stationary reflector portion stationary during operation of the nuclear reactor, wherein the stationary reflector portion comprises:
- a graphite support structure defining a plurality of channels;
- and
- a beryllium-oxide inclusion positioned in each of the channels, wherein each beryllium-oxide inclusion is supported by and removable from the respective channel;
- and
- a movable reflector portion movable during operation of the nuclear reactor, wherein the movable reflector portion comprises a plurality of control drums rotatable relative to the graphite support structure.
A reflector assembly usable with a nuclear reactor comprising a reactor core, wherein the reflector assembly is configured to surround the reactor core, and wherein the reflector assembly comprises:
- a graphite support structure defining a channel;
- a beryllium-oxide pin positioned in the channel, wherein the beryllium-oxide pin is supported by and removable from the channel, and wherein the beryllium-oxide pin is stationary during operation of the nuclear reactor;
- and
- a control drum rotatable relative to the graphite support structure and the beryllium-oxide pin during operation of the nuclear reactor.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.