Induced nuclear reactions: processes – systems – and elements – Fuel component structure – Encased with nonfuel component
Patent
1994-03-21
1995-07-18
Walsh, Donald P.
Induced nuclear reactions: processes, systems, and elements
Fuel component structure
Encased with nonfuel component
376457, 376417, 376414, G21C 300
Patent
active
054348978
ABSTRACT:
A cladding tube is provided having an axis and a cross-section perpendicular to the axis. The cross-section includes (1) an outer circumferential substrate having an inner surface, (2) a zirconium barrier layer bonded to the inner surface of the outer circumferential substrate, and (3) an inner circumferential liner bonded to the inner surface of the zirconium barrier layer. The inner circumferential liner includes a plurality of facets aligned substantially in parallel with the cladding tube axis. The facets--which define the geometry of the cladding interior--facilitate mixing among the gases in the cladding interior. Also provided is a fuel element including (1) a cladding tube having an faceted inner liner as described above, (2) nuclear fuel material disposed within said cladding tube in a fuel region, and (3) a plenum or plenums located in one or both end regions (beyond the nuclear fuel region) within the cladding tube. In the event of steam entering the cladding interior, the plenum(s) serves as a reservoir making steam available to dilute locally high hydrogen/steam regions. At least a portion of the nuclear fuel is a uranium dioxide having an oxygen to uranium mole ratio in excess of 2.
REFERENCES:
patent: 2849387 (1958-08-01), Brugmann
patent: 3620691 (1971-11-01), Rubel
patent: 4111748 (1978-09-01), Hayashi et al.
patent: 4131368 (1978-12-01), Iddon
patent: 4576654 (1986-03-01), Eddens et al.
patent: 4894203 (1990-01-01), Adamson
patent: 5069888 (1991-12-01), Larson et al.
patent: 5225154 (1993-07-01), Kanno et al.
patent: 5247550 (1993-09-01), Perkins et al.
patent: 5297177 (1994-03-01), Inagaki et al.
Proebstle, R. A.; Davies, J. H.; Rowland. T. C.; Rutkin, D. R.; and Armijo, J. S., "The Mechanism of Defection of Zircaloy-clad Fuel Rods by Internal Hydriding", GE Reference No. NEDO-20684 75NED16 dated, Apr. 1975.
Davies, John R., "Secondary Damage in LWR Fuel Following PCI Defection--Characteristics and Mechanisms", paper presented at IAEA specialists Meeting, Chalk River, Ontario, Canada, Sep. 16-20, 1979.
Mogard, H.; "Suppression of PCI Induced Defects by Lightly Undulating the Bore Surface of the Fuel Cladding," ANS Topical Meeting, St. Charles, Illinois, May 9-11, 1977.
Mogard, H.; Grounes, M.; and Tomani, H., "Irradiation Investigation of the Initial Phase of Degradation of BWR Type Fuel Rodlets containing Simulated Single Fretting Clad Defects", Enlarged Halden Programme Group Meeting, Bolkesjo, Norway, Jun. 9-14, 1991.
Kjaer-Petersen, N.; and Mogard, H., "In-Reactor Performance of Fuel with Rifled Cladding," American Nuclear Society Topical Meeting on LWR Fuel Performance, pp. 284, Williamsburg, Virginia, Apr. 17-20, 1988.
Chelliah Meena
General Electric Company
McGinness James E.
Walsh Donald P.
Weaver Jeffrey K.
LandOfFree
Hydride damage resistant fuel elements does not yet have a rating. At this time, there are no reviews or comments for this patent.
If you have personal experience with Hydride damage resistant fuel elements, we encourage you to share that experience with our LandOfFree.com community. Your opinion is very important and Hydride damage resistant fuel elements will most certainly appreciate the feedback.
Profile ID: LFUS-PAI-O-2421608