Method of detecting magnetic additives in nuclear fuel material by noting change in weight of material when weighed in a magnetic field
Abstract
Abstract A rapid, non-destructive method of detecting additives in a qualitative and a quantitative manner in a nuclear fuel material is disclosed. This method is based upon the magnetic susceptibility of certain additives in nuclear fuel which are monitored for quality control purposes. The method gives a comparison of the weight of the nuclear fuel material versus the weight of the nuclear fuel material when disposed in a magnetic field. This enables a calculation of the change in weight of the nuclear fuel material in the presence of a magnetic field for comparison with a calibration of weight changes for known additions of the additive. In a particularly preferred embodiment of the invention, a method is used for the non-destructive qualitative and quantitative detection of gadolinium, a burnable poison additive in nuclear fuel materials.
Inventors
- 👤 L Grossman
- 👤 D Packard
Bibliographic Details
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 8References Cited (Backward Citations)
USPTO Annuity & Maintenance Windows
| Annuity Stage | Window Opens | Payment Deadline | Surcharge Period Until | Estimated Fee | Status |
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| 3.5 Years (Year 4) | 1977-01-21 | 1977-07-23 | 1978-01-22 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 1981-01-21 | 1981-07-23 | 1982-01-22 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 1985-01-21 | 1985-07-23 | 1986-01-22 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |