Method and apparatus for controlled size distribution of gel microspheres formed from aqueous dispersions. [Patent application]

Patent · Mon Jan 18 23:00:00 EST 1982

OSTI ID:6726570

Ryon, A D; Haas, P A; Vavruska, J S

The present invention is directed to a method and apparatus for making a population of dense, closely size-controlled microspheres by sol-gel procedures wherein said microspheres are characterized by a significant percentage of said population being within a predetermined, relatively narrow size range. This is accomplished by subjecting aqueous dispersions of a sol, within a water-immiscible organic liquid to a turbulent flow. Microsphere populations thus provided are useful in vibratory-packed processes for nuclear fuels to be irradiated in LWR- and FBR-type nuclear reactors.

• DOE Contract Number: W-7405-ENG-26
• Assignee: Dept. of Energy
• Patent Number(s): PATENTS-US-A340624
• Application Number: ON: DE83002355
• OSTI ID: 6726570
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

Related Subjects

050700* -- Nuclear Fuels-- Fuels Production & Properties
11 NUCLEAR FUEL CYCLE AND FUEL MATERIALS
AQUEOUS SOLUTIONS
BREEDER REACTORS
DISPERSIONS
DROPLETS
EPITHERMAL REACTORS
FAST REACTORS
FBR TYPE REACTORS
FLUID FLOW
FUEL PARTICLES
MICROSPHERES
MIXTURES
PARTICLE SIZE
PARTICLES
PRODUCTION
REACTORS
SIZE
SOL-GEL PROCESS
SOLUTIONS
TURBULENT FLOW
WATER COOLED REACTORS