Sec. heat-transfer circuit for nuclear reactor cooled by liq. sodium - incorporates tank for storing and purifying liq. acting also as anti-hammer tank for steam generator

摘要

A secondary heat transfer circuit for a nuclear reactor cooled by a liq. metal comprises intermediate heat exchangers housed in the reactor vessel, a steam generator outside the vessel for exchanging heat between the secondary liq. metal in the secondary circuit and water, a circulation pump for the secondary liq. metal and a tank for the storage of the secondary liq. metal and for the recovery of products resulting from a possible reaction between liq. metal and water in the steam generator. The liq. metal is capable of occupying a min. level in the tank. The tank is placed at the lowest level of the nuclear installation. The lower end of the pipe through which liq. metal leaves the steam generator dips directly into the tank. A covering of inert gas is maintained above the liq. metal in the tank at a press. such that it equilibrates the liq. metal in the whole of the secondary loop, the tank thus acting as a downstream anti-hammer tank for the steam generator and as an expansion tank during variations in temp. of the liq. metal. The rotor of the circulation pump is situated below the min. level of the installation.