US4257847A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Nuclear breeder reactor fuel element with axial tandem stacking and getter
Assignee: United States Department of Energy
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Filing: 1978-10-06
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Granted: 1981-03-24
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Expires: 1998-10-06
Abstract
Abstract A breeder reactor fuel element having a tandem arrangement of fissile and fertile fuel with a getter for fission product cesium disposed between the fissile and fertile sections. The getter is effective at reactor operating temperatures to isolate the cesium generated by the fissile material from reacting with the fertile fuel section.
Inventors
- 👤 Ronald L. Gibby
- 👤 Leo A. Lawrence
- 👤 Robert E. Woodley
- 👤 Charles N. Wilson
- 👤 Edward T. Weber
- 👤 Carl E. Johnson
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-11-05 16:19
CPC Classifications
G; G21; G21C; G21C3/00; G21C3/02; G21C3/04; G21C3/16; G21C3/17; Y; Y02; Y02E; Y02E30/00; Y02E30/30
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 8
Claim 1
Independent Claim
90 words
An improved breeder reactor fuel element including a tubular cladding hermetically sealed at each end by an end plug, one interior portion of the cladding defining a fuel plenum filled with a column of fissile material, and a column of fertile material arranged axially in tandem with the fissile column within the cladding, wherein the improvement comprises a cesium getter disposed between the fissile and fertile columns which is substantially effective at reactor operating temperatures to isolate the cesium generated by the fissile material from reacting with the fertile column.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
90 words
An improved breeder reactor fuel element including a tubular cladding hermetically sealed at each end by an end plug, one interior portion of the cladding defining a fuel plenum filled with a column of fissile material, and a column of fertile material arranged axially in tandem with the fissile column within the cladding, wherein the improvement comprises a cesium getter disposed between the fissile and fertile columns which is substantially effective at reactor operating temperatures to isolate the cesium generated by the fissile material from reacting with the fertile column.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
30 words
The improved fuel element of claim 1 wherein the cesium getter is made of a substance selected from the group consisting of Nb 2 O 5 and TiO 2 .
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
20 words
The improved fuel element of claim 1 wherein the cesium getter is disposed on either side of the fissile column.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
28 words
The improved fuel element of claim 1 wherein the fissile material comprises a mixture of PuO 2 and UO 2 and the fertile material comprises UO 2 .
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
19 words
The improved fuel element of claim 1 wherein the getter is formed to permit volume expansion during reactor operation.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
20 words
The improved fuel element of claim 5 wherein the getter pellet is formed with void cavities to permit volume expansion.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
25 words
The improved fuel element of claim 1 wherein the getter includes a rigid support for maintaining the spacing between the fissile and fertile fuel columns.
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USPTO Annuity & Maintenance Windows
| Annuity Stage | Window Opens | Payment Deadline | Surcharge Period Until | Estimated Fee | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.5 Years (Year 4) | 1984-03-23 | 1984-09-22 | 1985-03-24 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 1988-03-23 | 1988-09-22 | 1989-03-24 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 1992-03-23 | 1992-09-22 | 1993-03-24 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |