NUCLEAR REACTOR DEGASSING METHOD AND DEGASSING SYSTEM

Control rods are inserted into the core of a nuclear reactor in operation to shut down the reactor output Before completion of entire control rod insertion, a high-temperature coolant flowing in piping for reactor water clean-up system is sprayed into the space in the upper portion of the reactor vessel. As said space is under negative pressure, oxygen existing in the water droplets of the sprayed coolant is separated. After completion of entire control rod insertion, a residual heat removal system is operated. Said spraying operation is discontinued and a low-temperature coolant cooled by a heat exchanger in the residual heat removal system is sprayed into said space. The coolant sprayed by said first spraying operation is not cooled by the heat exchanger in said residual heat removal system.