Method and apparatus for reducing deterioration in a nuclear reactor
OwnerLaura Holewainventor
Life of this patent
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Abstract
A method is described to reduce wear on the internal surface of a conduit in a closed-loop fluid system that transports corrosive nuclear material within a nuclear reactor. The method involves injecting two fluids into the conduit: a protective void fluid and a second fluid carrying the nuclear material. The nuclear material-containing fluid flows centrally in a laminar pattern, while the void fluid forms a protective layer around it, preventing direct contact with the conduit walls. By carefully controlling the injection and separation of these fluids, the nuclear material remains isolated from the conduit's surface, effectively limiting corrosion. This design prolongs the conduit's lifespan and enhances the system's efficiency by reducing surface degradation.
Claims20
A method for reducing deterioration of an interior surface of a conduit that forms a part of a closed-loop fluid circulation system configured to circulate a nuclear material during an operation of a nuclear reactor, said method comprising:
- (a) injecting into the conduit a first void fluid through a first opening;
- (b) injecting into the conduit and along thereof a second fluid comprising the nuclear material through a second opening;
- wherein the injecting of the second fluid through a nozzle is done to accomplish as follows:
- i. form a laminar flow of the second fluid proceeding along a central portion of a cross-sectional area of the conduit, and
- ii. form an annular boundary layer of the first void fluid in a peripheral portion of the cross-sectional area of the conduit adjacent to the internal surface thereof, thereby isolating the second fluid from the internal surface of the conduit;
- (c) separating the first fluid from the second fluid;
- and
- (d) recirculating the first fluid separated in step (c) for injecting back into the first opening.
A nuclear reactor comprising:
- a closed-loop fluid circulation system comprising a multiplicity of conduits;
- at least one nozzle disposed within at least one conduit, the at least one nozzle is configured for modifying a flow of a nuclear material and forming a jet thereof;
- at least one pump for fluid circulation within the closed-loop circulation system;
- an injector of gas into the at least one conduit;
- a means for redirecting said nuclear material jet;
- a gas separator for removing admixed gas;
- a means for reintroducing removed gas;
- wherein the injector of gas is configured for injecting gas into the at least one conduit to surround said nuclear material jet, thereby forming an annular boundary layer in a peripheral portion of the conduit and isolating the jet of nuclear material therefrom.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.