Skip to main content
U.S. Department of Energy
Office of Scientific and Technical Information

Nuclear fuel elements having a composite cladding. [BWR and PWR]

Patent ·
OSTI ID:7101280

An improved nuclear fuel element is disclosed for use in the core of nuclear reactors. The improved nuclear fuel has a composite cladding container comprising an outer layer having two coatings on the inside surface with the first coating on the outer layer being a diffusion barrier and the second coating on the first coating being a metal layer. The diffusion barrier is comprised of chromium or a chromium alloy, and the metal layer is selected from the group consisting of copper, nickel, iron and alloys thereof. The nuclear fuel element comprises a container of the elongated composite cladding, a central core of a body of nuclear fuel material disposed in and partially filling the container and forming an internal cavity in the container, an enclosure integrally secured and sealed at each end of the container and a nuclear fuel material retaining means positioned in the cavity. 12 claims, 2 figures.

Assignee:
General Electric Co.
Patent Number(s):
US 4029545
OSTI ID:
7101280
Country of Publication:
United States
Language:
English