Patent ID: 6195405
Filing Date: 2001-02-27
Classification: G21C,Y02E

Abstract:
A gap forming and cooling structure for use with a water cooled nuclear reactor vessel having a reactor core assembly positioned above a reactor vessel lower head having an external surface and with a coolant circulating in the reactor vessel, said structure comprising:a vessel externally positioned below and spaced apart from said external surface of said reactor vessel lower head;means for spacing apart and maintaining said vessel in a spaced apart condition relative to said external surface of said reactor vessel lower head such that a gap is formed and maintained between said vessel and said external surface of said reactor vessel lower head; anda coolant supply means for supplying coolant to said gap in the event of a reactor core meltdown to enable removal of heat from said reactor vessel lower head heated by molten core debris from said reactor core assembly in the event of a reactor core meltdown thereby maintaining structural integrity of said reactor vessel lower head during the reception and retention of said molten core debris by said reactor vessel.