Sheet based, in-bundle reactivity control device for storage of spent nuclear fuel
AssigneeCurtiss-Wright Flow Control Corporation
InventorsKarl Scot LEUENROTH, Matthew C. HARRIS
Life of this patent
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Abstract
A neutron absorber member is configured to be inserted into a control rod guide tube of a spent fuel assembly. The neutron absorber member includes a first plate and a second plate. The first plate extends along a longitudinal axis between a first end and a second end. The first plate has a slot formed therethrough at the first end. The slot extends from the first end towards the second end. The second plate is disposed within the slot of the first plate. The first plate and the second plate are arranged to have a cross-sectional shape of a cruciform.
Claims23
A neutron absorber member that is configured to be inserted into a control rod guide tube of a spent fuel assembly, the neutron absorber member comprising:
- a first plate having an elongated body extending along a longitudinal axis between a first end and a second end, the first plate having a slot formed therethrough at the first end, the slot extending from the first end towards the second end;
- and
- a second plate disposed within the slot of the first plate,
- wherein the first plate and the second plate are arranged to have a cross-sectional shape of a cruciform.
A neutron absorber assembly that is configured to be inserted into a control rod guide tube of a spent fuel assembly, the neutron absorber assembly comprising:
- a hollow, elongated body extending along a longitudinal axis between a first end and a second end;
- a cap disposed at the first end of the hollow body;
- a tip disposed at the second end of the hollow body;
- and
- a neutron absorber member received within the hollow body and extending along the longitudinal axis, the neutron absorber member having a first plate and a second plate that are separate from one another and that are arranged with respect to one another to have a cross-sectional shape of a cruciform.
A neutron absorber member that is configured to be inserted into a control rod guide tube of a spent fuel assembly, the neutron absorber member comprising:
- a first plate having an elongated body extending along a longitudinal axis between a first end and a second end, the first plate having a slot formed therethrough at the first end, the slot extending from the first end towards the second end and defining first and second prongs such that the first prong is laterally spaced from the second prong by the slot;
- and
- a second plate disposed within the slot of the first plate, the second plate having an elongated body extending along the longitudinal axis between a first end and a second end, the second plate having a first slot formed therethrough at the first end, the first slot extending from the first end of the second plate towards the second end of the second plate and defining first and second prongs of the second plate such that the first prong of the second plate is laterally spaced from the second prong of the second plate by the first slot,
- wherein the first plate is disposed within the first slot of the second plate such that the first prong and the second prong of the first plate are disposed adjacent respective, opposite faces of the second plate and the first prong and the second prong of the second plate are disposed adjacent respective, opposite faces of the first plate, and wherein the first plate and the second plate are arranged to have a cross-sectional shape of a cruciform.
A neutron absorber member that is configured to be inserted into a control rod guide tube of a spent fuel assembly, the neutron absorber member comprising:
- at least one plate formed from a flat sheet material and formed to define an elongated body extending along a longitudinal axis between a first end and a second end, wherein the at least one plate has a constant cross-sectional shape between the first end and the second end.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.