US4587087A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Burnable absorber coated nuclear fuel
Assignee: Westinghouse Electric Co LLC
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Filing: 1983-02-22
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Granted: 1986-05-06
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Expires: 2003-02-22
Abstract
Abstract A burnable absorber coated nuclear fuel. A fissionable material nuclear fuel substrate is at least partially covered by a burnable absorber layer. A hydrophobic material overcoat layer generally covers the burnable absorber layer and is bonded directly to it.
Inventors
- 👤 Kenneth C. Radford
- 👤 Beryl H. Parks
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-11-04 18:21
CPC Classifications
G; G21; G21C; G21C3/00; G21C3/02; G21C3/04; G21C3/16; G21C3/20; G21C7/00; G21C7/02; G21C7/04; Y; Y02; Y02E; Y02E30/00; Y02E30/30
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 12
Claim 1
Independent Claim
61 words
A burnable absorber coated nuclear fuel comprising: (a) a nuclear fuel substrate containing a fissionable material; (b) a layer containing a burnable absorber covering at least a part of said substrate, said burnable absorber layer being substantially devoid of airborne moisture; (c) an overcoated layer containing a reactor compatible, hydrophobic material generally covering, and bonded directly to, said burnable absorber layer.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
61 words
A burnable absorber coated nuclear fuel comprising: (a) a nuclear fuel substrate containing a fissionable material; (b) a layer containing a burnable absorber covering at least a part of said substrate, said burnable absorber layer being substantially devoid of airborne moisture; (c) an overcoated layer containing a reactor compatible, hydrophobic material generally covering, and bonded directly to, said burnable absorber layer.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
74 words
A nuclear reactor fuel assembly having a fuel rod containing a burnable absorber coated nuclear fuel, said nuclear fuel comprising: (a) a pellet substrate containing a fissionable material; (b) a layer containing a burnable absorber covering at least a part of said pellet substrate, said burnable absorber layer being substantially devoid of airborne moisture; (c) an overcoat layer containing a reactor compatible, hydrophobic material generally covering, and bonded directly to, said burnable absorber layer.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
74 words
A nuclear reactor fuel assembly having a fuel rod containing a burnable absorber coated nuclear fuel, said nuclear fuel comprising: (a) a pellet substrate containing a fissionable material; (b) a layer containing a burnable absorber covering at least a part of said pellet substrate, said burnable absorber layer being substantially devoid of airborne moisture; (c) an overcoat layer containing a reactor compatible, hydrophobic material generally covering, and bonded directly to, said burnable absorber layer.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
17 words
The nuclear reactor fuel assembly of claim 2, wherein said pellet substrate consists essentially of uranium dioxide.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
18 words
The nuclear reactor fuel assembly of claim 2, wherein said burnable absorber layer comprises a boron containing material.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
25 words
The nuclear reactor fuel assembly of claim 2, wherein said burnable absorber layer consists essentially of boron and is bonded directly to said pellet substrate.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
16 words
The nuclear reactor fuel assembly of claim 2, wherein said overcoat layer consists essentially of niobium.
Claim 9
Dependent Claim
64 words
The nuclear reactor fuel assembly of claim 2, wherein said pellet substrate is generally cylindrically shaped having a diameter of about one-third inch and a length of about one-half inch, wherein said burnable absorber layer has a thickness of between about 8 microns and about 16 microns, and wherein said overcoat layer has a thickness of between about 2 microns and about 6 microns.
Claim 10
Dependent Claim
40 words
The nuclear reactor fuel assembly of claim 2, also including an undercoat layer containing niobium disposed between, and bonded directly to, said pellet substrate and said burnable absorber layer, and wherein said burnable absorber layer consists essentially of zirconium diboride.
Claim 11
Dependent Claim
16 words
The nuclear reactor fuel assembly of claim 8, wherein said undercoat layer consists essentially of niobium.
Claim 12
Dependent Claim
24 words
The nuclear reactor fuel assembly of claim 8, wherein said undercoat layer has a thickness of between about 3 microns and about 6 microns.
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) | 1989-05-05 | 1989-11-04 | 1990-05-06 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 1993-05-05 | 1993-11-04 | 1994-05-06 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 1997-05-05 | 1997-11-04 | 1998-05-06 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |