High performance fuel element with end seal

Patent · Thu Jan 01 00:00:00 EST 1987

OSTI ID:866405

Lee, Gary E ^[1]; Zogg, Gordon J ^[1]

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1. San Diego, CA

A nuclear fuel element comprising an elongate block of refractory material having a generally regular polygonal cross section. The block includes parallel, spaced, first and second end surfaces. The first end surface has a peripheral sealing flange formed thereon while the second end surface has a peripheral sealing recess sized to receive the flange. A plurality of longitudinal first coolant passages are positioned inwardly of the flange and recess. Elongate fuel holes are separate from the coolant passages and disposed inwardly of the flange and the recess. The block is further provided with a plurality of peripheral second coolant passages in general alignment with the flange and the recess for flowing coolant. The block also includes two bypasses for each second passage. One bypass intersects the second passage adjacent to but spaced from the first end surface and intersects a first passage, while the other bypass intersects the second passage adjacent to but spaced from the second end surface and intersects a first passage so that coolant flowing through the second passages enters and exits the block through the associated first passages.

• Research Organization: GA TECHNOLOGIES INC
• DOE Contract Number: AT03-76SF70046
• Assignee: United States of America as represented by United States (Washington, DC)
• Patent Number(s): US 4704248
• OSTI ID: 866405
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

Related Subjects

performance
fuel
element
seal
nuclear
comprising
elongate
block
refractory
material
regular
polygonal
section
parallel
spaced
surfaces
surface
peripheral
sealing
flange
formed
thereon
recess
sized
receive
plurality
longitudinal
coolant
passages
positioned
inwardly
holes
separate
disposed
provided
alignment
flowing
bypasses
passage
bypass
intersects
adjacent
enters
exits
associated
flowing coolant
refractory material
fuel element
nuclear fuel
coolant flow
coolant passages
formed thereon
performance fuel
peripheral seal
coolant flowing
sealing flange
element comprising
coolant passage
/376/976/