Between-cycle laser system for depressurization and resealing of modified design nuclear fuel assemblies

Patent · 31 December 1981

OSTI ID:864093

Bradley, John G ^[1]

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1. Richland, WA

A laser beam is used to puncture fuel cladding for release of contained pressurized fission gas from plenum sections or irradiated fuel pins. Exhausted fission gases are collected and trapped for safe disposal. The laser beam, adjusted to welding mode, is subsequently used to reseal the puncture holes. The fuel assembly is returned to additional irradiation or, if at end of reactivity lifetime, is routed to reprocess. The fuel assembly design provides graded cladding lengths, by rows or arrays, such that the cladding of each component fuel element of the assembly is accessible to laser beam reception.

• Research Organization: Pacific Northwest National Laboratory (PNNL), Richland, WA (United States)
• DOE Contract Number: E(45-1)-2170
• Assignee: United States of America as represented by United States (Washington, DC)
• Patent Number(s): US 4309250
• OSTI ID: 864093
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

Related Subjects

/376/976/
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additional
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assemblies
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beam
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component
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design provides
disposal
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fission
fission gas
fission gases
fuel
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fuel cladding
fuel element
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reactivity
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release
reprocess
reseal
resealing
returned
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rows
safe
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subsequently
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welding