HIGH-TEMPERATURE NUCLEAR REACTOR COOLED WITH MOLTEN FLUORIDE SALT

Abstract

The technical solution relates to a fluoride salt-cooled high-temperature nuclear reactor with low output.

Claims

1. A high-temperature nuclear reactor cooled by molten fluoride salt located in a reactor vessel (10), the active zone of which consists of prismatic fuel assemblies (1) and is surrounded by a reflector (9), the fuel remaining in the active zone throughout the life of the reactor module is characterized in that the reactor vessel (10) forms a transport container for transporting fresh or spent fuel which is provided with a cooling system.

2. A high-temperature nuclear reactor cooled by molten fluoride salt, according to claim 1, is characterized in that the cooling system is formed by a mixing chamber (3) provided with a riser (4) surrounding the exchanger (5), to extract the residual heat from the active zone by natural refrigerant circulation.

3. A high-temperature nuclear reactor cooled by molten fluoride salt, according to claims 1 and 2, is characterized in that the cooling system is provided with a pump (6).

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

[0014] The technical solution will be further clarified by means of drawings, where FIG. 1 shows a longitudinal cross section of the reactor.

MADE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION

[0015] The fuel assemblies 1 are fed into the active zone grid. Reactivity is controlled by the absorption rods. The heat generated by the fission of the fuel material is withdrawn with the fluoride salt in the fuel assemblies 1 and between the fuel assemblies 1. The salt flow direction is from the lower part of the active zone to the upper part. The coolant in the upper part leaves the fuel, and blends in the upper mixing chamber 3. The absorption rods 2 pass through the upper mixing chamber 3. From the upper mixing chamber 3, the coolant flows through the riser 4 to the exchanger 5 in which the secondary medium circulates. After passing through the exchanger 5, the coolant is pumped by the pumps 6 through the gravity channels 7 to the lower part of the reactor, where the lower mixing chamber 8 is located. In the lower mixing chamber 8, the coolant is mixed and the fuel passes through again 1. The reactor active zone is surrounded by the reflector 9. The entire primary circuit, including the exchanger 5 and other auxiliary systems, is located in the reactor vessel 10, which also serves as a transport container for both fresh and spent fuel. The reactor vessel 10 is made of cast iron, and is provided with a lid 11 of the same material. The lid 11 is attached to the reactor vessel 10 by means of screws. Because the reactor requires little supervision, and therefore it is not envisaged in the design that it will be necessary to dismantle the cover 11 after the start up or during the operation of the reactor for maintenance and inspection purposes.

INDUSTRIAL APPLICATION OF THE INVENTION

[0016] The reactor according to this technical solution serves as a source of energy and heat for technological units, or populated areas cut off from the power grid and sufficient infrastructure. At the same time, it can use advanced fuel cycles, including the thorium cycle or the combustion of plutonium or minor actinoids.