Abstract: The engine comprises a low pressure stage (1) and a high pressure stage (2) with two independent rotors (3,4) and associated fixed fluid preparation members (9,10,13,14), combining “compressor” means (15,16) and “expander” means (17,18) and at least one combustion chamber (19,20) in a central volume defined axially by the rotors (3,4) and laterally by three substantially cylindrical, coaxial walls (22,23,24), defining in pairs an outer duct (25) connecting the outlet of the LP compressor (15) to the inlet of the HP compressor (16) and an inner duct (26) connecting the outlet of the HP compressor (16) to the inlet of a first combustion chamber (19), whose outlet supplies the HP expander (18) with gases produced by combustion guided to the inlet of the LP expander (17), whose outlet is in communication with the outside via at least one exhaust opening (41) for the combustion gases.

Abstract: The engine comprises a low pressure stage (1) and a high pressure stage (2) with two independent rotors (3,4) and associated fixed fluid preparation members (9,10,13,14), combining “compressor” means (15,16) and “expander” means (17,18) and at least one combustion chamber (19,20) in a central volume defined axially by the rotors (3,4) and laterally by three substantially cylindrical, coaxial walls (22,23,24), defining in pairs an outer duct (25) connecting the outlet of the LP compressor (15) to the inlet of the HP compressor (16) and an inner duct (26) connecting the outlet of the HP compressor (16) to the inlet of a first combustion chamber (19), whose outlet supplies the HP expander (18) with gases produced by combustion guided to the inlet of the LP expander (17), whose outlet is in communication with the outside via at least one exhaust opening (41) for the combustion gases.

Abstract: The invention relates to a secondary heat transfer circuit for a liquid metal-cooled nuclear reactor, as well as to a steam generator which can be used in such a circuit.According to the invention, a downstream buffer tank and an upstream buffer tank are arranged within the steam generator. The upstream buffer tank is annular and surrounds and communicates with an area of the generator by which the liquid metal flows downwards between the exchange zone and the discharge tube. The pressure of the neutral gas pocket in the downstream buffer tank is higher than that of the pocket of the upstream buffer tank.Application to fast neutron nuclear reactors.

Abstract: The invention relates to a secondary heat transfer circuit for a liquid metal nuclear reactor.Each loop of the main circuit has in order a steam generator, a pump, and at least one heat exchanger positioned in the reactor vessel. A downstream buffer tank is located in the pipe connecting the generator to the pump, whilst the upstream buffer tank can be positioned either in the generator, or outside the latter.Application to the generation of electric power by means of a fast neutron reactor.

Abstract: A circulating pump, particularly for the liquid cooling metal of the core of a fast neutron reactor, comprising a non-removable assembly permanently disposed in the vessel containing the liquid metal, constituted by a suction channel, a diffuser and at least one delivery pipe, wherein the non-removable assembly is suspended on a supporting structure which is immobilized relative to the core.

Abstract: A rotary machine such as a pump has a vertical driveshaft suspended from the upper end and provided at the lower end with an impeller surrounded by a casing in which provision is made for a suction chamber fitted with stationary radial vanes integral with the casing. The driveshaft is rotatably mounted in a hydrostatic bearing placed beneath the impeller, a removable sleeve being mounted coaxially with the shaft between the suction chamber and the impeller.