Hydraulic latch scram release mechanism

A poison bundle release mechanism within a safety assembly of a liquid metal nuclear reactor. A baffle consisting of a plate with recesses in fluid communication with low pressure coolant is formed in the upper portion of the safety assembly. A plug attached to the upper end of the poison bundle fits snugly against the recesses and is held up against the plate by the coolant pressure difference acting on the lower and upper sides of the plug. A conduit and valve arrangement is provided within the plug whereby the actuation of the valve permits high pressure coolant to enter the recessed region, reducing the pressure difference across the plug and producing rapid disengagement thereof from the plate