Nuclear fuel elements and method of making

Patent · Tue Mar 10 00:00:00 EST 1992

OSTI ID:5287248

Schweitzer, D G

This patent describes a nuclear fuel element containing fissionable material for use in a high temperature gas reactor having an operating temperature that is higher than 2000{degrees} C. and that is higher than the melting point temperature of the fissionable material. It comprises a graphite of carbon member having a plurality of pore therein, a fissionable fuel material disposed within the pores, the pores being effective through capillary forces and surface tension forces with the fissionable fuel material when it is molten liquid to retain and localize the molten liquid material within the pores, and a coating of pyrolytic carbon over substantially the entire outer surface of the member to form a kinetic barrier against melted liquid fissionable material migration, thereby to further localize and stabilize the fissionable material within the pores.

• Assignee: Associated Universities, Inc., Washington, DC (United States)
• Patent Number(s): US 5094804; A
• Application Number: PPN: US 7-597415
• OSTI ID: 5287248
• Resource Relation: Patent File Date: 15 Oct 1990
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

Related Subjects

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REACTOR COMPONENTS
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050700* - Nuclear Fuels- Fuels Production & Properties
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