Induced nuclear reactions: processes – systems – and elements – Fuel component structure – Plural fuel segments or elements
Reexamination Certificate
2006-03-27
2009-11-24
Palabrica, Rick (Department: 3663)
Induced nuclear reactions: processes, systems, and elements
Fuel component structure
Plural fuel segments or elements
C376S438000, C376S442000, C376S443000, C376S439000, C376S462000
Reexamination Certificate
active
07623612
ABSTRACT:
A bi-alloy spacer grid (BASG) is provided with grid straps and springs made using different zirconium alloys. The grid straps are made from a relatively low growth zirconium alloy, and the springs are made from a relatively high growth zirconium alloy. The springs are coupled to the grid straps by welding, mechanical interference, or secondary forming in place. When subjected to irradiation, the springs grow relative to the grid straps thereby maintaining contact with the fuel rod cladding, while the grid straps resist growth to maintain structural stability of the entire fuel assembly. The optimized balance of the high growth springs and low growth grid straps mitigates the formation of gaps between the fuel rods and grid support structures). The growth properties of the grid straps and springs may be further controlled through optional different fabrication processes.
REFERENCES:
patent: 4224107 (1980-09-01), Delafosse et al.
patent: 4325786 (1982-04-01), Wohlsen
patent: 4364902 (1982-12-01), Feutrel
patent: 4474730 (1984-10-01), Hellman et al.
patent: 4578240 (1986-03-01), Cadwell
patent: 4678632 (1987-07-01), Ferrari
patent: 4695426 (1987-09-01), Nylund
patent: 4702881 (1987-10-01), Weiland et al.
patent: 4717427 (1988-01-01), Morel et al.
patent: 4839136 (1989-06-01), DeMario et al.
patent: 5024426 (1991-06-01), Busch et al.
patent: 5223211 (1993-06-01), Inagaki et al.
patent: 6144716 (2000-11-01), Nguyen et al.
patent: 6278759 (2001-08-01), Yoon et al.
patent: 6421407 (2002-07-01), Kang et al.
patent: 6542567 (2003-04-01), Mayet et al.
patent: 6807246 (2004-10-01), Kim et al.
patent: 6819733 (2004-11-01), Broders et al.
patent: 0578502 (1994-01-01), None
patent: 0751530 (1997-01-01), None
patent: WO02072902 (2002-09-01), None
European Search Report issued in Application No. EP 07 00 5107.
K.-J. Park et al., “Design of a Spacer Grid Using Axiomatic Design,” Journal of Nuclear Science and Technology, Dec. 2003, p. 989-997, vol. 40, No. 12.
Marzean Michael A.
Nguyen Quang M.
Palabrica Rick
Westinghouse Electric Co. LLC
LandOfFree
Bi-alloy spacer grid and associated methods does not yet have a rating. At this time, there are no reviews or comments for this patent.
If you have personal experience with Bi-alloy spacer grid and associated methods, we encourage you to share that experience with our LandOfFree.com community. Your opinion is very important and Bi-alloy spacer grid and associated methods will most certainly appreciate the feedback.
Profile ID: LFUS-PAI-O-4099317