Method for chemically stabilizing uranium carbide compounds, and device implementing the method
US9837175B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Jul 17, 2012 |
| Grant date | Dec 5, 2017 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Jul 17, 2032 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC G)Physics
- CPC primaryG21F9/28
- WIPO fieldEngines, pumps, turbines
- WIPO sectorMechanical engineering
Abstract
A process for chemical stabilization of a uranium carbide composite material: UCx+yC with x≧1 and y>0, placed in a stabilization chamber, comprises: a rise in chamber internal temperature for oxidation of the compound based on uranium carbide between approximately 380° C. and 550° C., the chamber being fed with a neutral gas; isothermal oxidative treatment at the oxidation temperature, the chamber being placed under O2 partial pressure; controlling completion of stabilization of the compound, comprising monitoring the amount of molecular oxygen consumed and/or carbon dioxide or carbon dioxide and carbon monoxide given off, until achievement of an input set-point value for the amount of molecular oxygen, of a minimum threshold value for the amount of carbon dioxide or minimum threshold values for the carbon dioxide and carbon monoxide. A device implements the process.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.