Annular nuclear fuel pellets with central burnable absorber
US11367537B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | May 9, 2017 |
| Grant date | Jun 21, 2022 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Mar 21, 2038 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC Y)Emerging Cross-Sectional Technologies
- CPC primaryY02E30/30
- WIPO fieldEngines, pumps, turbines
- WIPO sectorMechanical engineering
Abstract
An annular nuclear fuel pellet in combination with an inserted discrete neutron absorber. The pellet/absorber may be compatible with existing or future nuclear fuel assembly designs. The concept involves the use of nuclear fuel (e.g., uranium dioxide or uranium silicide) formed into annular fuel pellets which can then have a discrete absorber material inserted into the center of the pin. Preferably, the discrete absorber is a non-parasitic absorber. The resulting pellet/absorber can then be stacked into a fuel rod which is arranged in a nuclear fuel assembly. Dimensioning of the annular pellet and absorber and selection of the absorber material and density can allow the concept to be tailored for various nuclear fuel applications.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.