Method for decladding nuclear fuel and crushing machine by cladding deformation
US8708258B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventor
Key dates
| Filing date | Nov 6, 2009 |
| Grant date | Apr 29, 2014 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Mar 14, 2030 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC Y)Emerging Cross-Sectional Technologies
- CPC primaryY02E30/30
- WIPO fieldEngines, pumps, turbines
- WIPO sectorMechanical engineering
Abstract
A machine comprising two rollers for ovalizing a nuclear fuel cladding to crush the content thereof allowing its easy release even if the pellets are arranged in the cladding with little clearance. The opposite inclinations of the rollers promote automatic forward travel of the claddings. The opening and the inclination of the claddings lead to release of the crushed fuel. The rollers are biconical, with an input portion of increasing diameter and an output portion of decreasing diameter, to apply sufficient ovalizations to crush the fuel while restoring rotundity to the cladding when it leaves the machine, to facilitate the outflow of debris.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.