Abstract: The invention relates to an actuating device for two clusters of control rods movable vertically in one and the same fuel array of the core of a nuclear reactor.The first cluster, used for running the reactor, is connected to a first actuating rod (2), the movements of which are effected by a mechanism (27, 28, 29, 30, 34). This rod (2) carries hooking fingers (41), the operation of which is effected by a device (45) mounted slidingly on the end of the rod (2). The device (45) causes the closing of the fingers by means of a spring (46), or on the contrary their opening by overstroke movement towards the top of the rod (2). The second cluster remaining fully inserted into the assembly during a part of the operating cycle of the reactor is connected to a second actuating rod (3).

Abstract: A linear motion device, more specifically a control rod drive mechanism (CRDM) for inserting and withdrawing control rods into a reactor core, is capable of independently and sequentially positioning two sets of control rods with a single motor stator and rotor. The CRDM disclosed can control more than one control rod lead screw without incurring a substantial increase in the size of the mechanism.

Abstract: A device for providing translatory movement of the control rods inside the closed vessel of a nuclear reactor. The rotor of the drive motor for a screw/nut assembly has fixed to it two pivoting arms formed in the poles of the rotor, and these serve as latching members which keep the screw in its raised position. A tubular casing locks these arms in the opened position while the screw is being raised after the control rod has been allowed to fall into the core of the reactor.

Abstract: Apparatus for controlling a nuclear reactor by vertical displacement of a unit absorbing neutrons, comprising, inside a sealed enclosure (1) in communication with the interior of the reactor, a movable magnetic piece (6) connected to a control shaft (3) which is itself connected to the absorbent unit. This magnetic piece (6) has at least two radial projections (7). The magnetic piece (6) is displaced by an inductor (10) with at least two pole shoes (16) corresponding to the projections (7) on the magnetic piece (6) and allowing magnetic coupling between the inductor (10) and the magnetic piece (6). The inductor (10) and its displacement device (30, 32, 33) are disposed outside the sealed enclosure (1). A control means (38) allows the control shaft (3) to be uncoupled from a member (36, 37) assuring its suspension so as to drop the absorbent unit in the event of emergency shutdown. The apparatus is particularly applicable to control rods of pressurized water nuclear reactors.

Abstract: A monitor circuit for a control rod drive mechanism (CRDM) that is adapted to detect erroneous stator phase sequences and generate a visible and audible alarm. The monitor circuit has particular application for use in connection with the control element assembly of a nuclear reactor. The monitor circuit includes an interface circuit for each stator phase winding of the drive motor, a plurality of logic gates to detect the predetermined erroneous phase sequences, a plurality of flip-flops to maintain the fault condition signal, visible and audible alarm circuits, and circuitry for resetting the monitor circuit after a fault condition. The monitor circuit also includes a ratchet trip circuit for disengaging the clutch mechanism from the control rods when the rods are in motion in the time a fault condition is detected.

Abstract: A finger mechanism for controlling vertical displacement of a neutron-absorbing assembly in a nuclear reactor for power adjustment and emergency shut-down of the reactor comprises two hooks each having a body carrying pivotable fingers which are engageable in circular notches provided in a control bar which supports the neutron-absorbing assembly from its lower end. The hook bodies are movable vertically relative to the control bar in opposite directions to alternately engage and move the control bar vertically. The fingers are pivoted synchronously with movements of the hook bodies and movements of the hook bodies and fingers are controlled by rotatable cams driven by a common drive so that the control rod is displaced in a continuous movement during rotation of the cams.