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Title: PREPARATION OF HIGH-DENSITY THORIUM OXIDE SPHERES

Patent ·
OSTI ID:4126877

A method of preparing high-density thorium oxide spheres for use in pellet beds in nuclear reactors is presented. Sinterable thorium oxide is first converted to free-flowing granules by means such as compression into a compact and comminution of the compact. The granules are then compressed into cubes having a density of 5.0 to 5.3 grams per cubic centimeter. The cubes are tumbled to form spheres by attrition, and the spheres are then fired at 1250 to 1350 deg C. The fired spheres are then polished and fired at a temperature above 1650 deg C to obtain high density. Spherical pellets produced by this method are highly resistant to mechanical attrition hy water. (AEC)

Research Organization:
Originating Research Org. not identified
NSA Number:
NSA-18-004235
Assignee:
U.S. Atomic Energy Commission
Patent Number(s):
US 3116106
OSTI ID:
4126877
Resource Relation:
Other Information: Orig. Receipt Date: 31-DEC-64
Country of Publication:
United States
Language:
English