Induced nuclear reactions: processes – systems – and elements – Handling of fission reactor component structure within... – Fuel component
Reexamination Certificate
1965-07-13
2001-04-03
Behrend, Harvey E. (Department: 3641)
Induced nuclear reactions: processes, systems, and elements
Handling of fission reactor component structure within...
Fuel component
C376S409000, C376S421000, C376S451000, C219S121140, C228S193000, C029S890043
Reexamination Certificate
active
06212250
ABSTRACT:
This invention relates generally to fuel elements for neutronic reactors and more particularly to a method for providing a leak-tight metal enclosure for a high-performance matrix-type fuel element penetrated longitudinally by a multiplicity of coolant tubes.
The utilization of nuclear energy in high-performance, compact-propulsion and mobile power-generating systems has necessitated the development of fuel elements which can operate with high power densities. High power densities in turn require fuel elements having high thermal conductivities and fuel retention capabilities at high temperature.
A clad fuel element containing a ceramic phase of fuel intimately mixed with and bonded to a continuous refractory metal matrix has been found to satisfy the above requirements. Metal coolant tubes penetrate the matrix so as to provide positive fuel retention and containment of products generated within the matrix by fissioning of the fuel contained therein. Metal header plates are bonded to the coolant tubes at each end of the fuel element and a metal cladding or can completes the fuel-matrix enclosure by encompassing the sides of the fuel element between the header plates.
The ability of the fuel element to operate at a high power density is also dependent to a large extent upon the nature of the bond existing between the fuel matrix and the coolant tubes extending therethrough, particularly where the cladding is a cooling surface. Large temperature drops with resultant losses in efficiency occur where no metallurgical bond exists between the fuel matrix and coolant tubes.
The complete fuel-matrix enclosure, which comprises the coolant tubes, header plates, and cladding must also be of the highest integrity so as to avoid losses of fission products at the extreme operating conditions experienced by the fuel element.
It is, accordingly, a general object of the invention to provide a method for metallurgically bonding a complete leak-tight metal enclosure to a matrix-type fuel element which is penetrated longitudinally by a multiplicity of coolant channels.
Another object of the invention is to provide a method for metallurgically bonding a complete metal enclosure to a matrix-type fuel element which is penetrated longitudinally by a multiplicity of coolant channels, wherein a minimum number of coolant tube-to-header plate welds are required.
Another object of the invention is to provide a method for metallurgically bonding a complete metal enclosure to a matrix-type fuel element which is penetrated longitudinally by a multiplicity of coolant channels, wherein metal coolant tubes penetrating the channels are diffusion bonded to the header plates and coolant channel walls in the same operation used to diffusion bond the metal cladding to the fueled matrix and header plates.
REFERENCES:
patent: 2969312 (1961-01-01), Monsor
Hussey Cyril C.
Korton George
Behrend Harvey E.
Gottlieb Paul A.
Moser William R.
Schneider Emily G.
The United States of America as represented by the United States
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