US4591478A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Method of identifying defective particle coatings
Assignee: United States Department of Energy
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Filing: 1983-08-26
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Granted: 1986-05-27
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Expires: 2003-08-26
Abstract
Abstract A method for identifying coated particles having defective coatings desig to retain therewithin a build-up of gaseous materials including: (a) Pulling a vacuum on the particles; (b) Backfilling the particles at atmospheric pressure with a liquid capable of wetting the exterior surface of the coated particles, said liquid being a compound which includes an element having an atomic number higher than the highest atomic number of any element in the composition which forms the exterior surface of the particle coating; (c) Drying the particles; and (d) Radiographing the particles. By television monitoring, examination of the radiographs is substantially enhanced.
Inventors
- 👤 Mark E. Cohen
- 👤 Carlton D. Whiting
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-11-08 18:03
CPC Classifications
G; G21; G21C; G21C17/00; G21C17/06; Y; Y02; Y02E; Y02E30/00; Y02E30/30
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 10
Claim 1
Independent Claim
86 words
A method for identifying coated nuclear fuel particles having defective retentive coatings in a group of such particles, said method comprising the following steps: contacting the particles with a liquid organic iodide capable of wetting the exterior layer surface of said coated particles, said liquid iodide being a compound which includes an element having an atomic number higher than the highest atomic number of any element in the composition which forms said exterior surface of. said particle coating; drying the particles; and radiographing said dried particles.
Claim 2
Independent Claim
86 words
A method for identifying coated nuclear fuel particles having defective retentive coatings in a group of such particles, said method comprising the following steps: contacting the particles with a liquid organic iodide capable of wetting the exterior layer surface of said coated particles, said liquid iodide being a compound which includes an element having an atomic number higher than the highest atomic number of any element in the composition which forms said exterior surface of. said particle coating; drying the particles; and radiographing said dried particles.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
14 words
A method as set forth in claim 1 wherein said liquid comprises methylene iodide.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
17 words
A method as set forth in claim 1 wherein said exterior layer surface is formed of carbon.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
16 words
A method as set forth in claim 3 wherein said exterior layer surface includes silicon carbide.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
14 words
A method as set forth in claim 4 wherein said exterior layer includes pyrocarbon.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
33 words
A method as set forth in claim 1 further comprising subjecting said particles to vacuum conditions prior to said contacting step and thereafter washing said particles in a solvent prior to said drying.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
13 words
A method as set forth in claim 6 wherein said solvent comprises acetone.
Claim 9
Dependent Claim
37 words
A method as set forth in claim 1 further comprising: obtaining an image of the resulting radiograph by use of a television camera viewing said radiograph through a microscope; and displaying said image on a television monitor.
Claim 10
Dependent Claim
34 words
A method as set forth in claim 1 wherein said particles have a silicon carbide shell with a carbon overcoat, said method further comprising the initial step of removing said carbon overcoat by burning.
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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) | 1989-05-26 | 1989-11-25 | 1990-05-27 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 1993-05-26 | 1993-11-25 | 1994-05-27 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 1997-05-26 | 1997-11-25 | 1998-05-27 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |