A method and system for isotopically separating lithium-6 and lithium-7 from a mixture thereof. The method involves using molecular distillation with a heat exchange arrangement supplied by a nuclear reactor (1) to efficiently separate the isotopes. The system comprises a molecular distillation apparatus with a still (20), in combination with a nuclear reactor (1) equipped with a heat exchange arrangement to provide the required heat for the process.
A molecular distillation system and process for isotopic separation of lithium with a molecular still (1). The molecular still comprises at least one bottom plate (6) forming an evaporator and at least one top plate (8) forming a condenser. The molecular still (7) comprises at least one capillary member (10,11,12) for transporting molten lithium in the molecular still (1) by capillary effect of the at least one capillary member (10,11,12) and the process comprises transporting molten lithium along the bottom plate and/or along the top plate by flow of molten lithium driven by capillary action of at least one capillary member (10,11,12).
A method, a use of a distillation column and distillation column for isotopically separating lithium-6 and lithium-7 from a mixture thereof. The method involves using molecular distillation with a molecular distillation column (22) containing a column of structured packing (23).
A method and device (1) for measuring pressure in a molten salt system (2) comprising a thermally separated cold region (3) and a hot region (4), wherein a pressure sensor (7) is located in the cold region (3), and a measurement duct (5) fluidly connects the pressure sensor (7) to a measurement piece (6) arranged in a molten salt barrier (14) in the hot region (4). A cover gas (10) is arranged in the measurement duct (5) that is non-reactive with molten salt. A first portion (15) of the measurement duct (5) arranged in the hot region (4) is dimensioned with a larger internal volume compared to a second portion (16) arranged in the cold region (3) to ensure that the molten salt remains in the hot region (4) and does not enter the cold region (3).
A molten salt nuclear reactor and method of operating such a reactor. The molten salt reactor comprises a closed and leaktight vessel (1,40) containing at least one molten salt loop (3,13), and a gas system for receiving gas originating from the at least one molten salt loop (3,13), the gas system comprises at least one gas-holder (30,34) of variable capacity configured for holding gas originating from the molten salt loop (3,13).
G21C 3/54 - Sels fondus, compositions oxydes ou hydroxydes
G21C 19/30 - Dispositions pour introduire un matériau fluent à l'intérieur du cœur du réacteurDispositions pour enlever un matériau fluent du cœur du réacteur avec purification continue du matériau fluent en circulation, p. ex. par extraction des produits de fission
A nuclear reactor for maintaining a sustained nuclear fission chain reaction, the nuclear reactor comprising a vessel (1) having an interior (30,35), the nuclear reactor further comprising in the interior of the vessel: a nuclear reactor core (2), a primary heat exchange loop (3), a conduit (23) for transporting an internal as well as external heat change medium, a heat exchanging arrangement for exchanging heat between the primary heat exchange medium and the internal as well as external heat exchange medium, and at least one controller (50) configured to autonomously control the operation of the nuclear reactor relying on data originating inside the vessel (1).
G21C 17/10 - Combinaison structurelle de l'élément combustible, de la barre de commande, du cœur du réacteur, ou de la structure du modérateur avec des instruments sensibles, p. ex. pour la mesure de la radioactivité, des contraintes
G21C 3/54 - Sels fondus, compositions oxydes ou hydroxydes
G21C 1/22 - Réacteurs hétérogènes, c.-à-d. dans lesquels le combustible et le modérateur sont séparés utilisant du combustible liquide ou gazeux
7.
MOLTEN SALT NUCLEAR REACTOR AND METHOD OF AUTOMATIC SHUTDOWN OF SUCH NUCLEAR REACTOR
The first invention describes a molten salt nuclear reactor system and method of controlling a nuclear reactor, the molten salt nuclear reactor being contained in a closed vessel of the molten salt nuclear reactor system, the molten salt nuclear reactor comprising: a reactor core, a circulation pump, a drain tank, a controller, and a liquid loop for circulating a liquid through the reactor core, wherein the controller is configured to autonomously stop reactor operation by allowing the liquid to drain into the drain tank under influence of gravity when at least one reactor parameter differs from acceptable operating values, and/or wherein the controller is configured to commence reactor operation by starting the circulation pump to pump liquid from the drain tank to the liquid loop when all reactor parameters are in conformity with the acceptable operating values. The second invention describes a molten salt nuclear reactor and method for maintaining a sustained nuclear fission chain reaction, the nuclear reactor comprising a vessel (1) having an interior (30,35), the nuclear reactor further comprising in the interior of the vessel: a nuclear reactor core (2); a molten salt primary heat exchange loop (3) comprising a molten salt primary heat exchange medium pump; at least one sensor (9,22,41,49 and the base, 59, 79) configured to provide a signal representative of an operation state of the nuclear reactor; a primary heat exchanger (10) through which the primary heat exchange loop passes; and a breaker circuit arrangement (18,28,68) comprising a circuit breaker (19, 29, 69) and configured to connect and disconnect at least one of electric and/or electronic components (5,15,45) in the interior to and from a source of electric power (53) inside the vessel (1); the circuit breaker (19,29,69) having an open and a closed state; the breaker circuit arrangement (18,28,68) being connected to the at least one sensor (9.22.41.49.59.79); and the breaker circuit arrangement (18,28,68) being configured to open a circuit breaker (19,29,69) when the signal from the at least one sensor (9.22.41.49.59.79) exceeds a safety threshold.
G21C 17/10 - Combinaison structurelle de l'élément combustible, de la barre de commande, du cœur du réacteur, ou de la structure du modérateur avec des instruments sensibles, p. ex. pour la mesure de la radioactivité, des contraintes
8.
A LINEAR MOTOR FOR USE IN A MOLTEN SALT NUCLEAR REACTOR AND A VALVE FOR USE IN A MOLTEN SALT NUCLEAR REACTOR
A tubular linear motor (20), for operating actuating a component in a molten salt loop (43,44,45), preferably a molten salt loop (43,44,45) in a nuclear reactor (40), comprising a stator (11) having a lumen, a tubular translational mover (8) in the lumen, the stator (11) comprising stator windings surrounding the lumen for inducing a magnetic field penetrating the mover (8), the stator windings each comprising an electrically conductive solid bar (12), at least a portion of the length thereof being arranged spirally, the spirally arranged portion being arranged between first- and second ferromagnetic rings (26,27), the spirally arranged portion of the length of electrically conductive solid bar (12) being positioned between the first- and second ferromagnetic rings (26,27), by one or more spacers (13), preferably ceramic spacers (13), for electrically insulating the electrically conductive solid bar (12) from the first- and second ferromagnetic rings (26,27).
F16K 31/04 - Moyens de fonctionnementDispositifs de retour à la position de repos électriquesMoyens de fonctionnementDispositifs de retour à la position de repos magnétiques utilisant un moteur
G21C 7/18 - Moyens pour obtenir un mouvement différentiel des éléments de commande
H02K 3/04 - Enroulements caractérisés par la configuration, la forme ou le genre de construction du conducteur, p. ex. avec des conducteurs en barre
H02K 3/34 - Enroulements caractérisés par la configuration, la forme ou la réalisation de l'isolement entre conducteurs ou entre conducteur et noyau, p. ex. isolement d'encoches
A nuclear reactor core (1) for a molten salt nuclear reactor (100). The nuclear reactor core (1) has a tubular cylindrical center moderator vessel (10) for passage of a liquid moderator (11), a cylindrical fuel salt jacket surrounding the center moderator vessel (10), and a cylindrical neutron reflector jacket surrounding the cylindrical fuel salt jacket, wherein the cylindrical center moderator and neutron reflector vessel (10) has a largest inner cross-sectional area medially between a liquid moderator and neutron reflector inlet (12) of the center moderator and neutron reflector vessel (10) and a liquid moderator and neutron reflector outlet (13) of the moderator and neutron reflector vessel (10).
G21C 5/14 - Structure du modérateur ou du cœurEmploi de matériaux spécifiés comme modérateur caractérisée par la forme
G21C 1/22 - Réacteurs hétérogènes, c.-à-d. dans lesquels le combustible et le modérateur sont séparés utilisant du combustible liquide ou gazeux
G21C 3/24 - Éléments combustibles avec un matériau fissile ou surrégénérateur sous forme fluide à l'intérieur d'une enveloppe non active
G21C 3/54 - Sels fondus, compositions oxydes ou hydroxydes
G21C 5/02 - Structure du modérateur ou du cœurEmploi de matériaux spécifiés comme modérateur Détails
G21C 13/04 - Dispositions pour l'expansion et la contraction
10.
A CANNED ROTODYNAMIC FLOW MACHINE FOR A MOLTEN SALT NUCLEAR REACTOR AND AN ACTIVE MAGNETIC BEARING FOR USE IN A FLOW MACHINE FOR A MOLTEN SALT NUCLEAR REACTOR
A canned rotodynamic flow machine (1) configured for operating with a working fluid such as molten salt of a molten salt nuclear reactor, comprising an impeller (6) arranged in a volute (3), with an inlet (4) and an outlet (5) for the working fluid, an induction or reluctance motor or generator comprising a stator (10) and a rotor (8), a can (18) separating a working fluid area in which the rotor (8) is arranged from a dry area containing the stator (10). The rotor (8) is operably coupled to the impeller (6). The stator (10) comprises stator windings for inducing a magnetic field that penetrates the rotor (8). The stator windings are distributed in slots (11) arranged in the stator (10). The part of the stator windings inside the slots is formed by one or more electrically conductive solid bars (12). An active magnetic bearing for use in a canned rotor dynamic flow machine for a molten salt nuclear reactor, comprising a stator (110,210) and a rotor (108,208). The said stator (108,208) comprises stator windings for inducing a magnetic field that penetrates the rotor (108,208). The stator windings are distributed in one or more slots arranged in the stator. The part of the stator windings inside said one or more slots is formed by one or more electrically conductive solid bars.
F04D 7/06 - Pompes adaptées à la manipulation de liquides particuliers, p. ex. par choix de matériaux spéciaux pour les pompes ou pièces de pompe du type centrifuge les fluides étant chauds ou corrosifs, p. ex. du métal liquide
F04D 7/08 - Pompes adaptées à la manipulation de liquides particuliers, p. ex. par choix de matériaux spéciaux pour les pompes ou pièces de pompe du type centrifuge les fluides étant radioactifs
F16C 32/04 - Paliers non prévus ailleurs faisant usage de moyens de support magnétiques ou électriques
H02K 7/08 - Association structurelle avec des paliers
H02K 3/12 - Enroulements caractérisés par la configuration, la forme ou le genre de construction du conducteur, p. ex. avec des conducteurs en barre disposés dans des encoches
H02K 3/34 - Enroulements caractérisés par la configuration, la forme ou la réalisation de l'isolement entre conducteurs ou entre conducteur et noyau, p. ex. isolement d'encoches
11.
A CANNED ROTODYNAMIC FLOW MACHINE FOR A MOLTEN SALT NUCLEAR REACTOR AND AN ACTIVE MAGNETIC BEARING FOR USE IN A FLOW MACHINE FOR A MOLTEN SALT NUCLEAR REACTOR
A canned rotodynamic flow machine (1) configured for operating with a working fluid such as molten salt of a molten salt nuclear reactor, comprising an impeller (6) arranged in a volute (3), with an inlet (4) and an outlet (5) for the working fluid, an induction or reluctance motor or generator comprising a stator (10) and a rotor (8), a can (18) separating a working fluid area in which the rotor (8) is arranged from a dry area containing the stator (10). The rotor (8) is operably coupled to the impeller (6). The stator (10) comprises stator windings for inducing a magnetic field that penetrates the rotor (8). The stator windings are distributed in slots (11) arranged in the stator (10). The part of the stator windings inside the slots is formed by one or more electrically conductive solid bars (12). An active magnetic bearing for use in a canned rotor dynamic flow machine for a molten salt nuclear reactor, comprising a stator (110,210) and a rotor (108,208). The said stator (108,208) comprises stator windings for inducing a magnetic field that penetrates the rotor (108,208). The stator windings are distributed in one or more slots arranged in the stator. The part of the stator windings inside said one or more slots is formed by one or more electrically conductive solid bars.
F04D 7/06 - Pompes adaptées à la manipulation de liquides particuliers, p. ex. par choix de matériaux spéciaux pour les pompes ou pièces de pompe du type centrifuge les fluides étant chauds ou corrosifs, p. ex. du métal liquide
F04D 7/08 - Pompes adaptées à la manipulation de liquides particuliers, p. ex. par choix de matériaux spéciaux pour les pompes ou pièces de pompe du type centrifuge les fluides étant radioactifs
F04D 13/06 - Ensembles comprenant les pompes et leurs moyens d'entraînement la pompe étant entraînée par l'électricité
H02K 3/12 - Enroulements caractérisés par la configuration, la forme ou le genre de construction du conducteur, p. ex. avec des conducteurs en barre disposés dans des encoches
H02K 3/34 - Enroulements caractérisés par la configuration, la forme ou la réalisation de l'isolement entre conducteurs ou entre conducteur et noyau, p. ex. isolement d'encoches
H02K 7/08 - Association structurelle avec des paliers
12.
METHOD FOR OPERATING A MOLTEN SALT NUCLEAR REACTOR
A method for operating a molten salt nuclear reactor having a melt of molten salt. The method comprises: determining the chemical composition of the melt and using the information about the chemical composition of the melt to determine the need for adjusting the composition of the melt in order to operate the reactor efficiently, directing a laser beam on the melt or on a sample of the melt thereby generating plasma, collecting light from the plasma and analyzing the light with a spectrometer to obtain information about the composition of the melt and, using the information about the composition of the melt to optimize the composition of the melt by addition of material to the melt and/or by reprocessing of molten salt from the melt, in order to operate the reactor efficiently and/or safely.
G01N 21/71 - Systèmes dans lesquels le matériau analysé est excité de façon à ce qu'il émette de la lumière ou qu'il produise un changement de la longueur d'onde de la lumière incidente excité thermiquement
G21C 17/06 - Dispositifs ou dispositions pour la surveillance ou le test du combustible ou des éléments combustibles en dehors du cœur du réacteur, p. ex. pour la consommation ou pour la contamination
G21C 19/31 - Dispositions pour introduire un matériau fluent à l'intérieur du cœur du réacteurDispositions pour enlever un matériau fluent du cœur du réacteur avec purification continue du matériau fluent en circulation, p. ex. par extraction des produits de fission spécialement adaptés pour des liquides pour des métaux fondus
G21D 3/08 - Régulation de différents paramètres dans l'installation
brevets
