US3598944A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
A device for the heat treatment of powdery substances by means of a high-temperature plasma
Assignee: Individual
•
Filing: 1966-06-27
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Granted: 1971-08-10
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Expires: 1986-06-27
Abstract
Abstract Apparatus for use therein for heat treating irregular shaped particles of nuclear fuels so as to produce granules of substantially spherical shape comprising preheating the irregular nuclear fuel particles to high temperatures, but below the melting point thereof, separate preheating a carrier gas for the particles, admixing the heated particles with the heated gas, introducing the mixture in predetermined amounts into a high temperature plasma zone, heating the particles in said zone to effect the melting of the surfaces of the particles and to thereby produce the spherical granules.
Inventors
- 👤 Peter Weimar
- 👤 Harry Liepelt
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-10-25 09:04
CPC Classifications
B; B01; B01J; B01J6/00; B01J6/005; B05; B05B; B05B7/00; B05B7/16; B05B7/1606; B05B7/1613; B05B7/1646; B05B7/166; B05B7/1666; B05B7/22; B05B7/222; B05B7/226; B22; B22F; B22F1/00; B22F1/06; B22F1/065
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 9
Claim 1
Independent Claim
25 words
Apparatus according to claim 1 wherein said means for preheating said particles and for preheating said carrier gas are combined into one common preheating means.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
29 words
Apparatus according to claim 2 including a mixing nozzle for introducing said particles into the carrier gas, said mixing nozzle being arranged at the outlet of said preheating means.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
28 words
Apparatus according to claim 3 including vibrating means adapted for periodically changing the opening resistance for controlling the flow of particles through the opening of said mixing nozzle.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
16 words
Apparatus according to claim 4 wherein said vibrating means has an adjustable vibrating frequency and amplitude.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
51 words
Apparatus according to claim 3 wherein said plasma burner means comprise a light arc plasma burner including a pin-type cathode and a hollow-cylindrical anode concentrically surrounding said cathode wherein said cathode is constructed so as to serve at least partially as an inlet conduit for the carrier gas transporting said particles.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
26 words
Apparatus according to claim 6 wherein said cathode is constructed as a resistance heating element adapted to be heated by current flowing to said light arc.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
19 words
Apparatus according to claim 6 including a support for said cathode and liquid cooling means for cooling said support.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
44 words
Apparatus according to claim 6 wherein said cathode is surrounded by a heat insulating sleeve adapted to serve as a flow channel for the carrier gas in the area in which said anode is surrounded by carrier gas transporting particles of ceramic nuclear fuel.
Claim 9
Dependent Claim
13 words
Apparatus according to claim 9 wherein said heat-insulating sleeve is formed of ceramic.
References Cited (Backward Citations)
US3182361A
Cited
USPTO Annuity & Maintenance Windows
| Annuity Stage | Window Opens | Payment Deadline | Surcharge Period Until | Estimated Fee | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.5 Years (Year 4) | 1974-08-09 | 1975-02-08 | 1975-08-10 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 1978-08-09 | 1979-02-08 | 1979-08-10 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 1982-08-09 | 1983-02-08 | 1983-08-10 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |