IPC Definitions - January 01, 2012
G21C - Definition
This subclass covers:
Nuclear fission reactors
Reactor fuel elements or their assemblies; Selection of substances for use as reactor fuel elements
Moderator or core structure; Selection of materials for use as moderator
Control of nuclear reaction
Emergency protection arrangements structurally associated with the reactor
Shielding structurally associated with the reactor
Pressure vessels; Containment vessels; Containment in general
Cooling arrangements within the pressure vessel containing the core; Selection of specific coolants
Monitoring; Testing
Arrangements for treating, for handling, or for facilitating the handling of, fuel or other materials which are used within the reactor, e.g. within its pressure vessel
Apparatus or processes specially adapted to the manufacture of reactors or parts thereof
Adaptations of reactors to facilitate experimentation or irradiation
References relevant to classification in this subclass
This subclass does not cover:
Fusion reactors; hybrid fission-fusion reactors | G21B |
Treating radioactively contaminated materials; Decontamination arrangements therefor | G21F 9/00 |
Nuclear explosives | G21J |
Nuclear power plant | G21D |
Control of nuclear power plant | G21D 3/00 |
Production of electric energy from fusion or fission reactions | G21D 7/00 |
Attention is drawn to the following places, which may be of interest for search:
Pressure or containment vessels utilizing sub- or super-atmospheric pressure to effect chemical or physical change of matter | B01J 3/00 |
Cleaning pipes or tubes using methods or apparatus specially adapted thereto | B08B 9/02 |
Manipulators | B25J |
Heat-transfer or heat-exchange or heat-storage materials | C09K 5/00 |
Pressure vessels in general | F16J 12/00 |
Shock-absorbers in general | F16F |
Tube joints in general | F16L |
Cleaning of internal or external surfaces of heat-exchange or heat-transfer conduits, e.g. water tubes of boilers | F28G |
Measurement of nuclear radiation | G01T |
Electric or magnetic analogue computers, e.g. simulators, for nuclear physics | G06G 7/54 |
Pumping arrangements for reactor coolant not otherwise covered by G21C 15/24 | G21D |
Shielded cells or rooms | G21F 7/00 |
In this subclass, the following terms or expressions are used with the meaning indicated:
Core | The central region of a reactor containing fuel and moderator elements, where nuclear fission occurs. |
Moderator | Material used in a thermal nuclear reactor to reduce the velocity of neutrons produced by nuclear fission in order to facilitate chain reaction. |
Shield | Means surrounding a reactor to prevent radiation damage to operators etc. |