Preparation of nuclear fuel spheres by flotation-internal gelation

Patent · Wed Dec 31 23:00:00 EST 1986

OSTI ID:866239

Haas, Paul A ^[1]; Fowler, Victor L ^[2]; Lloyd, Milton H ^[2]

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1. Knoxville, TN
2. Oak Ridge, TN

A simplified internal gelation process for the preparation of gel spheres of nuclear fuels. The process utilizes perchloroethylene as a gelation medium. Gelation is accomplished by directing droplets of a nuclear fuel broth into a moving volume of hot perchloroethylene (about 85.degree. C.) in a trough. Gelation takes place as the droplets float on the surface of the perchloroethylene and the resultant gel spheres are carried directly into an ager column which is attached to the trough. The aged spheres are disengaged from the perchloroethylene on a moving screen and are deposited in an aqueous wash column.

• Research Organization: Oak Ridge National Laboratory (ORNL), Oak Ridge, TN
• DOE Contract Number: W-7405-ENG-26
• Assignee: United States of America as represented by United States (Washington, DC)
• Patent Number(s): US 4663093
• OSTI ID: 866239
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

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/264/252/976/
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directing
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fuel
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medium
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nuclear
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trough
utilizes
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