Induced nuclear reactions: processes – systems – and elements – Fuel component structure – Plural fuel segments or elements
Patent
1992-10-29
1994-02-22
Walsh, Donald P.
Induced nuclear reactions: processes, systems, and elements
Fuel component structure
Plural fuel segments or elements
376442, 376462, 376441, G21C 334
Patent
active
052895130
ABSTRACT:
Method of making a fuel assembly lattice member and the lattice member made by such method. The method includes placing a plurality of elongate metal straps on a computer controlled conveyor which successively conveys the straps into alignment with each of a plurality of computer controlled piercing and drawing dies belonging to a progressive die machine. The dies are selectively actuated by the computer to form such elements as curved deflector vanes and spring members on each strap member. After the piercing and drawing operations are completed, the straps are joined by welding to form a lattice member of hexagonal cross section, the lattice member defining a plurality of rhombic-shaped fuel rod cells and a plurality of generally rhombic-shaped guide tube thimble cells therethrough. The rod cells are capable of receiving respective ones of a plurality of fuel rods and the thimble cells are capable of receiving respective ones of a plurality of thimble tubes. The rhombic shape of the rod cells cooperate with the deflector vanes to deflect a component of a fluid stream about the longitudinal center axis of each fuel rod for maintaining liquid substantially single-phase fluid flow over the surface of each fuel rod in order to avoid Departure from Nucleate Boiling (DNB) on the surface of the fuel rods.
REFERENCES:
patent: 3281327 (1966-10-01), Webb et al.
patent: 3344855 (1967-10-01), Clark
patent: 3393128 (1968-07-01), Obertelli et al.
patent: 3787285 (1974-01-01), Manstrand
patent: 3860803 (1975-01-01), Levine
patent: 3862000 (1975-01-01), Pugh et al.
patent: 4089741 (1978-05-01), Patterson et al.
patent: 4192170 (1980-03-01), Ferwagner
patent: 4547335 (1985-10-01), Downs et al.
patent: 4604785 (1986-08-01), Eddens
patent: 4666663 (1987-05-01), Steinke
patent: 4705663 (1987-11-01), Steven et al.
patent: 4728489 (1989-03-01), Hatfield
patent: 4780273 (1988-10-01), Dressel
patent: 4869865 (1989-09-01), White et al.
patent: 4924586 (1990-05-01), King, Jr. et al.
patent: 4933138 (1990-06-01), Mouesca et al.
patent: 4985199 (1991-01-01), Irube et al.
Copending U.S. patent application Ser. No. 07,884/972, titled "A Nuclear Fuel Assembly for Increasing Utilization of Nuclear Fuel Contained Therein" filed May 15, 1992 in the name of David R. Stucker.
Copending U.S. patent application Ser. No. 07/968,647 titled "Fuel Assembly Including Deflector Vanes for Deflecting a Component of a Fluid Stream Flowing Past Such Fuel Assembly" filed Oct. 24, 1992 filed in the name of Edmund E. DeMario, et al.
Textbook titled "Materials and Processes in Manufacturing" by E. Paul DeGarmo, published by The MacMillan Company (1962, 2d. ed.).
DeMario Edmund E.
Lawson Charles N.
Chelliah M.
Walsh Donald P.
Westinghouse Electric Corp.
LandOfFree
Method of making a fuel assembly lattice member and the lattice does not yet have a rating. At this time, there are no reviews or comments for this patent.
If you have personal experience with Method of making a fuel assembly lattice member and the lattice , we encourage you to share that experience with our LandOfFree.com community. Your opinion is very important and Method of making a fuel assembly lattice member and the lattice will most certainly appreciate the feedback.
Profile ID: LFUS-PAI-O-177745