Patent · US Active

Low temperature chemical processing of graphite-clad nuclear fuels

US9793019B1 · kind B1 · utility

0Cited by
14References
19Claims
0Family size

Assignee

Inventor

Key dates

Filing dateMar 26, 2014
Grant dateOct 17, 2017
Priority date
Expiry dateAug 18, 2036

Classification

  • Technology area (CPC Y)Emerging Cross-Sectional Technologies
  • CPC primaryY02E30/30
  • WIPO fieldEngines, pumps, turbines
  • WIPO sectorMechanical engineering

Abstract

A reduced-temperature method for treatment of a fuel element is described. The method includes molten salt treatment of a fuel element with a nitrate salt. The nitrate salt can oxidize the outer graphite matrix of a fuel element. The method can also include reduced temperature degradation of the carbide layer of a fuel element and low temperature solubilization of the fuel in a kernel of a fuel element.

Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.