Abstract: A device is provided concerning probe guide ducts for allowing a probe to pass for carrying out measurements on the coolant at the outlet of the assemblies (6) of a nuclear reactor (1). It comprises sleeves (9) through which pass upper columns (12) grouping together the guide ducts (10). After running horizontally along the periphery of the reactor, the ducts (10) are grouped together in lower columns (15) in the form of bundles before running towards the outlets of the coolant from the asemblies (6) in contact with the upper plate of the core (7). This device provides an excellent protection of the probe guide ducts with respect of the flow of the coolant.

Abstract: A latching device for use in nuclear reactors. The device is used to latch outer housing assemblies to the reactor core. The device contains a shear pin which does not break under normal loading imposed by movement of absorber rod assemblies, but which shears when it is desired to remove the housing from the core.

Abstract: Capillary liquid fuel elements, created by the method of confining a liquid fuel in horizontal capillary troughs, are employed to create the core of a nuclear reactor to generate useful heat energy. The reactor incorporates the inherent advantages of a liquid fuel reactor: high specific power, high fuel burnup, inherent safety, ease of control, and simple fuel preparation, processing, reprocessing, and handling. The reactor in addition, has advantages unavailable in other liquid fuel reactors: high breeding potential, low delayed neutron loss, low pumping power requirement, low fission material external holdup, direct fuel-coolant heat exchange capability, and low construction material cost.

Abstract: A head equipment support structure system (HESS) (10) particularly adapted to be cooperatively associated with a nuclear reactor vessel (12) for purposes of effecting a separation of the electrical cables (30) that are utilized in the head area of such a vessel (12), as well as for purposes of providing support for these cables (30). The subject HESS (10) which is in the form of an integral structure that is removably supported relative to the vessel (12) combines the features of cable support structure, missile shield, and cooling ductwork support structure. The HESS (10) embodies horizontally disposed multiple decks (14) to which the cables (30) are vertically routed from the reactor vessel head. The decks (14), which are located in vertically spaced relation directly above the reactor vessel head, support and separate the cables (30).

Abstract: A fast nuclear reactor is described which comprises a conical reactor core surrounding an embedded array of heat pipes of, per se, novel structure, carrying either moderator or nuclear fuel material as part of their working fluid. This reactor system is self-regulating, because an excessive increase in reactivity drives the fuel or moderator working fluid out of the conical core region, thereby reducing reactivity. The heat pipes are protected against burnout by a novel heat pipe envelope shape and internal wicking structure designed to increase the working fluid circulation speed with increasing heat transfer loads.