Nuclear fuel cartridge inner wall construction - is cross-shaped providing four fuel sections with through passage for neutron moderator

摘要

Cartridge is divided up into multiple sections by a cross shaped wall construction. The cartridge comprises an oblong coolant flow channel (32) which is divided into four sections by cross-shaped panels (72). These are welded to bars (60). There is thus formed an inner central water channel (74) which provides neutron moderator along the entire length of the cartridge and four sectioned channels. Rods (96) are thus in each of four separate sections (82). Passages (84) equalise pressure between each group (86) of rods. Improved flow of the cooling neutron moderator through the cartridge.