Method and equipment for removing sodium samples from the core of a sodium-cooled nuclear reactor

摘要

The invention is intended to make it possible to remove sodium samples directly from the core of a nuclear reactor, this being of interest, in particular, for detecting tritium and other impurities. For this purpose, the sodium is sucked out of the pressurised container through a pipeline and when a certain level is reached, it is poured into a crucible (29) fitted in the suction line. The crucible (29) is taken out of the line together with a piece (22) after the excess sodium has been drained off again. Suction line and return line for protective gas are passed through the small rotating cover of the reactor using a special sample collection insert. The sample collection operation is monitored and optionally automated with the aid of inductive filling level displays (25, 26). The equipment fulfils, in particular, the requirements relating to operational safety and earthquake safety in a nuclear power station. IMAGE