Nuclear fuel element having a composite coating
US4473410A · kind A · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Oct 5, 1981 |
| Grant date | Sep 25, 1984 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Oct 5, 2001 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC Y)Emerging Cross-Sectional Technologies
- CPC primaryY02E30/30
- WIPO fieldEngines, pumps, turbines
- WIPO sectorMechanical engineering
Abstract
A nuclear fuel element consisting of a zirconium or zirconium alloy container and nuclear fuel pellets is provided for use in the core of a nuclear reactor. The zirconium or zirconium alloy container has an inner coating of copper in proximity to the nuclear fuel, and is separated from the zirconium or zirconium alloy by an intermediate zirconium oxide diffusion barrier layer. The copper layer and the intermediate zirconium oxide diffusion barrier of the composite cladding reduce perforations or failure in the zirconium or zirconium alloy cladding substrate caused by stress corrosion cracking or metal embrittlement. Good bonding of the copper to the oxide zirconium and zirconium alloy prevents scaling of copper from the composite cladding during the loading of the fuel element with fuel pellets.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.