Patent US3042113A successfully refreshed from Google Patents.
US3940313A
Expired / Lapsed
US
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Device for detecting defective nuclear reactor fuel rods
Assignee: Siemens AG
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Filing: 1973-11-21
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Granted: 1976-02-24
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Expires: 1993-11-21
Abstract
Abstract A moisture sensor is provided for a nuclear fuel rod for water-cooled nuclear reactors wherein moisture can be present. The fuel rod has an end cap and a charge of nuclear fuel. The moisture sensor is disposed between the end cap and the charge and serves to detect a leak in the fuel rod. The moisture sensor includes a capsule-like housing having an inner space and having openings through which moisture can pass into the inner space in the event of a leak in the fuel rod. Ferromagnetic material is disposed in the inner space of the housing together with a moisture detector responsive to moisture for altering the disposition of the ferromagnetic material in the inner space.
Inventors
- 👤 Josef Steven
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-11-02 22:04
CPC Classifications
G; G21; G21C; G21C17/00; G21C17/06; G21C17/07; G01; G01M; G01M3/00; G01M3/02; G01M3/04; G01M3/042; G01M3/045; Y; Y02; Y02E; Y02E30/00; Y02E30/30
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 6
Claim 1
Independent Claim
99 words
A nuclear reactor fuel rod comprising a nonmagnetic tubular jacket having an end portion, an end cap closing said end portion, nuclear fuel in said jacket, said fuel and end cap defining therebetween a space inside of said jacket, a capsule-like housing positioned in said space, said housing being made of non-magnetic material and having at least one hole formed therethrough, a mixture of aluminum powder and a water-soluble mercury compound inside of said capsule-like housing, and ferromagnetic material inside of said capsule-like housing, said housing internally forming a space into which said mixture and said material can move.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
99 words
A nuclear reactor fuel rod comprising a nonmagnetic tubular jacket having an end portion, an end cap closing said end portion, nuclear fuel in said jacket, said fuel and end cap defining therebetween a space inside of said jacket, a capsule-like housing positioned in said space, said housing being made of non-magnetic material and having at least one hole formed therethrough, a mixture of aluminum powder and a water-soluble mercury compound inside of said capsule-like housing, and ferromagnetic material inside of said capsule-like housing, said housing internally forming a space into which said mixture and said material can move.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
18 words
The fuel rod of claim 1 in which said mixture is in the form of a compact body.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
22 words
The fuel rod of claim 2 in which said ferromagnetic material is in the form of a powdered component of said body.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
21 words
The fuel rod of claim 2 in which said ferromagnetic material is in the form of a pellet abutting said body.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
33 words
The fuel rod of claim 2 in which said capsulelike housing contains a cup-like container, said body forms a covering lid for said container and said ferro-magnetic material is contained in said container.
References Cited (Backward Citations)
USPTO Annuity & Maintenance Windows
| Annuity Stage | Window Opens | Payment Deadline | Surcharge Period Until | Estimated Fee | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.5 Years (Year 4) | 1979-02-23 | 1979-08-25 | 1980-02-24 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 1983-02-23 | 1983-08-25 | 1984-02-24 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 1987-02-23 | 1987-08-25 | 1988-02-24 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |