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U.S. Department of Energy
Office of Scientific and Technical Information

Getter for nuclear fuel elements

Patent ·
OSTI ID:7318918
A nuclear fuel element for use in the core of a nuclear reactor is disclosed and has disposed therein an improved getter capable of gettering reactive gases including a source of hydrogen. The getter comprises a composite with a substrate having thereon a coating capable of gettering reactive gases. The substrate has a greater coefficient of thermal expansion than does the coating, and over a period of time at reactor operating temperatures any protective film on the coating is fractured at various places and fresh portions of the coating are exposed to getter reactive gases. With further passage of time at reactor operating temperatures a fracture of the protective film on the coating will grow into a crack in the coating exposing further portions of the coating capable of gettering reactive gases. 13 claims, 5 drawing figures.
Assignee:
General Electric Co.
Patent Number(s):
US 3993453
OSTI ID:
7318918
Country of Publication:
United States
Language:
English