METHODS AND APPARATUSES FOR REMOVING THERMAL ENERGY FROM A NUCLEAR REACTOR
11 Assignments
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Accused Products
Abstract
Methods and apparatuses are provided for removing thermal energy from a nuclear reactor, which are fault tolerant. The apparatus includes at least one heat pipe configured to absorb thermal energy produced by the nuclear reactor. In addition, the apparatus includes a first compartment thermally coupled to the at least one heat pipe. The first compartment is configured to contain a first gas. Furthermore, the apparatus includes a second compartment thermally coupled to the at least one heat pipe. The second compartment is configured to contain a second gas and configured to isolate the second gas from the first gas.
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Citations
24 Claims
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1-16. -16. (canceled)
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17. A method for removing thermal energy from a nuclear reactor, comprising the steps of:
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absorbing thermal energy produced by the nuclear reactor;
transferring at least a first portion of the thermal energy to a first compartment coupled to a first gas inlet and a first gas outlet;
transferring at least a second portion of the thermal energy to a second compartment coupled to a second gas inlet and a second gas outlet;
introducing a first gas into said first compartment, said first gas inlet and said first gas outlet and a second gas into said second compartment, said second a inlet and said second gas outlet; and
pneumatically isolating said second gas introduced into said second compartment, said second gas inlet and said second gas outlet from said first gas introduced into said first compartment, said first gas inlet and said first as outlet. - View Dependent Claims (18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23)
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24-26. -26. (canceled).
Specification