Patent Number: 059354399
Section: abstract

An elongated internal core tube suction strainer supported at its ends for use in a suction system is disclosed as is a suction system comprising the elongated suction strainer in combination with ECCS pipes in various support combinations. The elongated internal core tube suction strainer of this invention is particularly suited for use with boiling water reactor (BWR) and pressurized water reactor (PWR) nuclear power plants. Because of the flexibility of the suction strainer of this invention, the suction strainer can be adapted for use in a variety of reactor plants. The elongated suction strainer has an internal core tube defining a plurality of fluid inlets and an exterior filtering structure defining a plurality of perforations. When connected to one or more recirculation suction pipes of the suction system within the reservoir of a nuclear power plant (or other facility), the perforations and fluid inlets permit fluid to pass but prevent solids and other particulate matter from entering the suction system. The suction system is capable of withstanding the large loads associated with the hydrodynamic forces resulting from a loss of coolant accident while being supported only at its ends. The extended length of the elongated suction strainer and thus its greatly increased overall straining surface area is due to the structural strength provided by the internal core tube.