US nuclear reactor shielding.

The containment vessel consists of a verticle containment vessel of 5.5 meter diameter, between two water-tight bulkheads. The control rod drive is situated in a cupola which rests above the reactor chamber. The chamber can withstand a pressure of 15+ atmospheres.


The secondary shielding consists of concrete, lead, and polethyleane positioned toward the top of the containment area. Water, by its nature, contains any nuclear escape to the surrounding area.

A pre-stressed concrete wall of 122 cm surrounds the lower portion of containment. This wall rests upon a HTS cushion. A section of 15.2 cm lead obsorbs the gamma radiation. 15.2 cm of polethyleane is used to slow neutrons. Any space between lead plates is filled with lead wool.