Method for producing, from a preform made of austenitic stainless steel with a low carbon content, a wear-resistant and corrosion-resistant cladding for a nuclear reactor, corresponding cladding and corresponding control cluster
US9914986B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventor
Key dates
| Filing date | Sep 28, 2012 |
| Grant date | Mar 13, 2018 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Nov 3, 2034 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC Y)Emerging Cross-Sectional Technologies
- CPC primaryY02E30/30
- WIPO fieldMaterials, metallurgy
- WIPO sectorChemistry
Abstract
A method for producing a wear-resistant and corrosion-resistant stainless steel part for a nuclear reactor is provided. This method includes steps of providing a tubular blank in austenitic stainless steel whose carbon content is equal to or lower than 0.03% by weight; shaping the blank; finishing the blank to form the cladding; hardening the outer surface of the cladding by diffusing one or more atomic species; the blank, before the providing step or during the shaping or finishing step, being subjected to at least one hyper quenching with sub-steps of: heating the blank to a sufficient temperature and for a sufficient time to solubilize any precipitates present; quenching the blank at a rate allowing the austenitic structure to be maintained in a metastable state at ambient temperature and free of precipitates.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.