Fuel rods with wear-inhibiting coatings and methods of making the same

US9911511B2 · kind B2 · utility

Assignee

• Global Nuclear Fuel-Americas, LLC · US

Inventors

• Kevin L. Ledford · Wilmington, US
• Yuk-Chiu Lau · Ballston Lake, US
• David W. White · Wilmington, US
• Yang-Pi Lin · Wilmington, US
• Paul E. Cantonwine · Wilmington, US
• Nicholas R. Gullette · Knoxville, US
• Timothy W. I. Clark · Philadelphia, US

Key dates

• Filing date: Mar 5, 2013
• Grant date: Mar 6, 2018
• Expiry date: Aug 14, 2036

Classification

• Technology area (CPC Y): Emerging Cross-Sectional Technologies
• CPC primary: Y02E30/30
• WIPO field: Engines, pumps, turbines
• WIPO sector: Mechanical engineering

Abstract

Nuclear reactor components are treated with thermal methods to increase wear resistance. Example treatments include thermal treatments using particulate or powderized materials to form a coating. Methods can use cold spray, with low heat and high velocities to blast particles on the surface. The particles impact and mechanically deform, forming an interlocking coating with the surface and each other without melting or chemically reacting. Materials in the particles and resultant coatings include metallic alloys, ceramics, and/or metal oxides. Nuclear reactor components usable with methods of increased wear resistance include nuclear fuel rods and assemblies containing the same. Coatings may be formed on any desired surface, including fuel rod positions where spacer contact and fretting is most likely.