Patent Number: 048266523
Section: abstract

A low capacity nuclear reactor with spherical fuel elements laid out in an underground configuration and characterized by a compact structure and the far-reaching elimination of active operating installations, such as a charging apparatus, gas purification installations and control systems. The reactor is particularly suitable for generation of heat for heating purposes. The graphite reflector surrounding the pile of fuel elements on all sides includes layers of spherical graphite elements with a diameter equal to that of the fuel elements. The poured part of the graphite reflector and the pile of fuel elements are located in a metal core vessel made of lattice work or perforated sheet metal and capable of supporting the entire weight of the graphite and fuel elements. The mesh or the holes of cage-like core vessel are smaller than the diameter of the spherical elements. Cylinder-like sleeves made of lattice work or perforated sheet metal are fastened to the inner wall of the core vessel, with absorber rods located in a displaceable manner in the sleeves. The core vessel is followed on top by a gas conduction jacket separating the suction and compression part of the cooling gas blower.