Patents by Inventor Noel Lions

Noel Lions has filed for patents to protect the following inventions. This listing includes patent applications that are pending as well as patents that have already been granted by the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO).

  • Secondary heat transfer circuit for a nuclear reactor cooled by a liquid metal such as sodium, as well as a steam generator particularly suitable for such a circuit
    Patent number: 4600554
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 21, 1983
    Date of Patent: July 15, 1986
    Assignees: Commissariat a l'Energie Atomique, Novatome
    Inventors: Alain Brachet, Jacques Figuet, Joel Guidez, Noel Lions, Rene Traiteur, Thierry Zuber
  • Secondary heat transfer circuit for a nuclear reactor
    Patent number: 4519978
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 21, 1983
    Date of Patent: May 28, 1985
    Assignee: Commissariat a l'Energie Atomique
    Inventors: Alain Brachet, Jacques Figuet, Joel Guidez, Noel Lions
  • Fast neutron nuclear reactor
    Patent number: 4492667
    Abstract: The invention relates to a fast neutron nuclear reactor of the integrated type comprising a cylindrical inner vessel.The inner vessel comprises two concentric ferrules and the connection between the hot collector defined within this vessel and the inlet port of the exchangers is brought about by a hot structure forming a heat baffle and supported by the inner ferrule and by a cold structure surrounding the hot structure, supported by the outer ferrule and sealingly connected to the exchanger.Application to the generation of electric power in nuclear power stations.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 25, 1982
    Date of Patent: January 8, 1985
    Assignee: Commissariat a l'Energie Atomique
    Inventors: Marie-Therese Cabrillat, Noel Lions
  • Steam generator
    Patent number: 4014295
    Abstract: Water is circulated within tube bundles located in spaced relation within the generator casing and converted to steam by exchange of heat with a liquid metal which is fed into the casing through a central axial tube. The liquid metal is distributed within adjacent compartments which are formed by radial partitions extending from the central tube and each accommodate at least one tube bundle. A small gap is formed between the radial partitions and the casing so as to provide a communication between adjacent compartments and to equalize the level of liquid metal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 4, 1976
    Date of Patent: March 29, 1977
    Assignee: Commissariat a l'Energie Atomique
    Inventor: Noel Lions