CA1321037C - Reinforced nuclear fuel element for cobalt capsules - Google Patents
Reinforced nuclear fuel element for cobalt capsulesInfo
- Publication number
- CA1321037C CA1321037C CA000586756A CA586756A CA1321037C CA 1321037 C CA1321037 C CA 1321037C CA 000586756 A CA000586756 A CA 000586756A CA 586756 A CA586756 A CA 586756A CA 1321037 C CA1321037 C CA 1321037C
- Authority
- CA
- Canada
- Prior art keywords
- tube
- pellets
- irradiation
- central passage
- capsule
- Prior art date
- Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
- Expired - Fee Related
Links
- 239000002775 capsule Substances 0.000 title claims abstract description 35
- 239000003758 nuclear fuel Substances 0.000 title claims abstract description 17
- 229910017052 cobalt Inorganic materials 0.000 title claims description 6
- 239000010941 cobalt Substances 0.000 title claims description 6
- GUTLYIVDDKVIGB-UHFFFAOYSA-N cobalt atom Chemical compound [Co] GUTLYIVDDKVIGB-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 title claims description 6
- 239000008188 pellet Substances 0.000 claims abstract description 56
- 239000000463 material Substances 0.000 claims description 16
- 239000007787 solid Substances 0.000 claims description 13
- 238000010521 absorption reaction Methods 0.000 claims description 10
- 229910001093 Zr alloy Inorganic materials 0.000 claims description 8
- LTPBRCUWZOMYOC-UHFFFAOYSA-N Beryllium oxide Chemical compound O=[Be] LTPBRCUWZOMYOC-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 claims description 4
- MCMNRKCIXSYSNV-UHFFFAOYSA-N Zirconium dioxide Chemical compound O=[Zr]=O MCMNRKCIXSYSNV-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 claims description 4
- 238000007789 sealing Methods 0.000 claims description 4
- 229910001069 Ti alloy Inorganic materials 0.000 claims description 3
- 229910010293 ceramic material Inorganic materials 0.000 claims description 2
- BHEPBYXIRTUNPN-UHFFFAOYSA-N hydridophosphorus(.) (triplet) Chemical compound [PH] BHEPBYXIRTUNPN-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 claims description 2
- 229910052741 iridium Inorganic materials 0.000 claims description 2
- GKOZUEZYRPOHIO-UHFFFAOYSA-N iridium atom Chemical compound [Ir] GKOZUEZYRPOHIO-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 claims description 2
- 230000002787 reinforcement Effects 0.000 claims description 2
- 239000000446 fuel Substances 0.000 description 14
- WZECUPJJEIXUKY-UHFFFAOYSA-N [O-2].[O-2].[O-2].[U+6] Chemical compound [O-2].[O-2].[O-2].[U+6] WZECUPJJEIXUKY-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 description 5
- 229910052734 helium Inorganic materials 0.000 description 5
- 239000001307 helium Substances 0.000 description 5
- SWQJXJOGLNCZEY-UHFFFAOYSA-N helium atom Chemical compound [He] SWQJXJOGLNCZEY-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 description 5
- 229910052751 metal Inorganic materials 0.000 description 5
- 239000002184 metal Substances 0.000 description 5
- 229910000439 uranium oxide Inorganic materials 0.000 description 5
- 239000007789 gas Substances 0.000 description 4
- 238000003466 welding Methods 0.000 description 3
- 238000006243 chemical reaction Methods 0.000 description 2
- 238000004519 manufacturing process Methods 0.000 description 2
- 229910045601 alloy Inorganic materials 0.000 description 1
- 239000000956 alloy Substances 0.000 description 1
- GUTLYIVDDKVIGB-IGMARMGPSA-N cobalt-59 atom Chemical compound [59Co] GUTLYIVDDKVIGB-IGMARMGPSA-N 0.000 description 1
- 238000003745 diagnosis Methods 0.000 description 1
- 239000002657 fibrous material Substances 0.000 description 1
- 238000010348 incorporation Methods 0.000 description 1
- 230000000155 isotopic effect Effects 0.000 description 1
- 229910052743 krypton Inorganic materials 0.000 description 1
- DNNSSWSSYDEUBZ-UHFFFAOYSA-N krypton atom Chemical compound [Kr] DNNSSWSSYDEUBZ-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 description 1
- 239000007769 metal material Substances 0.000 description 1
- 150000002739 metals Chemical class 0.000 description 1
- 238000000034 method Methods 0.000 description 1
- 238000012986 modification Methods 0.000 description 1
- 230000004048 modification Effects 0.000 description 1
- 238000012856 packing Methods 0.000 description 1
- 230000002285 radioactive effect Effects 0.000 description 1
- 230000003014 reinforcing effect Effects 0.000 description 1
- 239000012779 reinforcing material Substances 0.000 description 1
- 239000011343 solid material Substances 0.000 description 1
- 125000006850 spacer group Chemical group 0.000 description 1
- 239000002915 spent fuel radioactive waste Substances 0.000 description 1
- 238000012360 testing method Methods 0.000 description 1
Classifications
-
- G—PHYSICS
- G21—NUCLEAR PHYSICS; NUCLEAR ENGINEERING
- G21C—NUCLEAR REACTORS
- G21C3/00—Reactor fuel elements and their assemblies; Selection of substances for use as reactor fuel elements
- G21C3/02—Fuel elements
- G21C3/04—Constructional details
- G21C3/16—Details of the construction within the casing
- G21C3/18—Internal spacers or other non-active material within the casing, e.g. compensating for expansion of fuel rods or for compensating excess reactivity
-
- Y—GENERAL TAGGING OF NEW TECHNOLOGICAL DEVELOPMENTS; GENERAL TAGGING OF CROSS-SECTIONAL TECHNOLOGIES SPANNING OVER SEVERAL SECTIONS OF THE IPC; TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER USPC CROSS-REFERENCE ART COLLECTIONS [XRACs] AND DIGESTS
- Y02—TECHNOLOGIES OR APPLICATIONS FOR MITIGATION OR ADAPTATION AGAINST CLIMATE CHANGE
- Y02E—REDUCTION OF GREENHOUSE GAS [GHG] EMISSIONS, RELATED TO ENERGY GENERATION, TRANSMISSION OR DISTRIBUTION
- Y02E30/00—Energy generation of nuclear origin
- Y02E30/30—Nuclear fission reactors
Landscapes
- Physics & Mathematics (AREA)
- Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
- Plasma & Fusion (AREA)
- General Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
- High Energy & Nuclear Physics (AREA)
- Monitoring And Testing Of Nuclear Reactors (AREA)
Abstract
Case 3014 REINFORCED NUCLEAR TUBE FOR CAPSULE IRRADIATION
ABSTRACT OF THE DISCLOSURE
A relatively thin-walled nuclear fuel tube is reinforced and adapted for retaining and supporting a capsule during it's irradiation in a nuclear reactor.
The tube is loaded with a series of axially aligned pellets; each of which is axially bored therethrough, so that a central cavity for supporting the capsule is defined by the axial alignment of the pellets.
ABSTRACT OF THE DISCLOSURE
A relatively thin-walled nuclear fuel tube is reinforced and adapted for retaining and supporting a capsule during it's irradiation in a nuclear reactor.
The tube is loaded with a series of axially aligned pellets; each of which is axially bored therethrough, so that a central cavity for supporting the capsule is defined by the axial alignment of the pellets.
Description
Case 3014 REINFORCED NUCLEAR TUBE FOR CAPSULE IRRADIATION
This invention relates to a reinforced tube for a nuclear fuel bundle. More particularly, it relates to a nuclear tube for retaining and r~inforcing a capsule during its irradiation in a nuclear reactor.
Background of the Invention The irradiation of certain metals to produce their radioactive isotopes has been in commercial use for some years. certain of these isotopes were found to be of particularly useful in medical diagnosis and treatment. As a result, the irradiation of cobalt 59 to its isotope, for example, is now carried out on a production basis to maintain an adequate supply for medical use.
Irradiation may be carried out by enclosing a capsule of the metal in one or more thick-walled support tubes similar to a nuclear fuel element. In the case of Candu reactors, the fuel elements consist o~ a elongated tube or sheath containing pellets of fissionable material such as uranium oxide. It would be advantageous if such tubes could be adapted to contain a capsule to be irradiated instead of nuclear fuel. In such cases, some of the fuel bundles could include one or more tubes containing capsules of the prescribed metal instead of the uranium oxide.
.' . ~' 1 32 10 ~7 Case 3014 Nuclear fuel tubes undergo high stress in the nuclear reactor. As a result, the walls of the fuel tubes collapse down on the fuel pellets contained therein. Since these pellets are strong enough to withstand the stress, collapse of the walls is not a serious factor. When a fuel bundle has to be replaced, all of the tubes together with the spent fuel elements secured therein, are discarded.
In the case of those rods which contain an irradiated capsule instead of a fuel element, it is obviously necessary to be able to recover the irradiated capsule from the tube. Consequently, special thick-walled tubes are usually used to house these capsules in the reactor.
It would be advantageous if the relatively thin-walled tubing regularly used for housing the uranium oxide fuel pellets could be adapted to house the metal capsules. In this way only one type o~ tube would have to be manufactured and engineering and production costs could be kept low.
The applicant has developed an element for a Candu reactor fuel bundle which utilizes this relatively thin-walled tube for the metal capsules yet allows the isotopic capsule to be easily removed after irradiation. This is accomplished by packing one or more capsules within and between a number of support pellets. These pellets must be of a material having low neutron absorption characteristics, such as a zirconium alloy~
The use of support or reinforcing material in a nuclear fuel tube is known. One example can be found in the applicant's Canadian patent 999,687 issued November 9, 1976. This reference describes the incorporation of certain fibrous non-metallic material within a fuel tube to strengthen the tube against the 1321037 Case 3014 stress of the nuclear reaction. This reference however is concerned with a tube containing nuclear fuel and not a capsule for irradiation. The support material of the present invention is not the fibrous material described in the reference and must have low neutron absorption characteristics.
Summarv of the Invention The present invention provides a tube for retaining and supporting a capsule during irradiation in a nuclear reactor. The tube is loaded with a series of axially aligned pellets of a material having good neutron absorption properties. Each of the pellets has an axial bore therethrough 50 as to define a central cavity in the tube with the central bores of adjacent pellets. The outer diameter of the pellets is such as to provide a close fit within the tube for supporting the walls when the tube is under extexnal pressure. A
solid pellet is positioned at each end of the defined cavity, closing the ends thereofO
The tube is then sealed by means of a cap secured at each end. Closing the ends simulates the situation existing in a fuel tube containing uranium oxide pellets and such closure also hinders the escape of helium gas used to fill the fuel element. It is presently known in the art to include helium gas in a nuclear fuel element immediately before welding the end caps onto the tube. The integrity of the weld between the cap and the tube end is thus verified by testing for possible helium leakage.
It is an object of the invention to provide a relatively thin-walled tube having reinforcing means ~or retaining and securing a capsule during the irradiation thereo~ in a nuclear reactor.
It is another object of the invention to provide a tube for a nuclear fuel bundle, said tube ~3210~7 Case 3014 retaining and securing a capsule for irradiation thereof during the nuclear reaction process.
These and other objects are attained by means of a reinforced irradiation tube for a nuclear fuel bundle comprising:
a) an elongated tube of zirconium alloy having a greater length to diameter ratio;
b) a plurality of centrally cored pellets of a material having low neutron absorption characteristics and an outer diameter such as to provide a snug fit within said tube, said pellets being axially aligned to define a central passage through said cores;
c) a metallic capsule secured in said central passage for irradiation therein;
d) at least one solid pellet having low neutron absorption characteristics positioned at each end of said tube for closing off said central opening, said solid pellet having the same outer diameter as the cored pellets;
e) a cap at each end of said tube for securing and sealing the contents thereof.
Brief Description of the Drawinas Figure 1 is a cross-sectional outline of a tube of the present invention;
Figure 2 is front view of a cored pellet having a central bore therethrough; and, Figure 3 is a side view of one of the end pellets in the tube.
Detailed Description of a Preferred Embodiment In Fig. 1, a tube 10 is shown which is suitable for use as a nuclear fuel element or as a retainer for a metallic capsule. A number of cored pellets 12 are positioned in axial alignment within the tube. Each pellet 12 is cored to form a central 1321037 case 3014 opening 14. In addition, the tube has at least one solid pellet at each end, identified as 16 and 18 respectively for closing off the central passage defined by the alignment of the central openings 14 in pellets 12. Each of the end pellets has a cupped or dished recess 20, the purpose of which is to retain and seal the helium gas that is charged into the tube prior to welding the end caps in place.
Further reinforcement of the tube can be maintained by the additional of one or more solid pellets 22 in the center of the tube which also serves to divide the central passage into two chambers. The solid pellets may be divided at 24 by a cored pellet so that after irradiation the entire tube may be cut across at this point to yield two sections, each with an irradiated capsule. In the embodiment of Fig.l, an elongated cobalt capsule (not shown) may be positioned in each of the respective chambers of the central passage.
In another embodiment, the tube of the present invention could be structured to retain a single cobalt capsule. In which case, only a sufficient number of pellets 12 having central openings would be used to form one central passage the length of a single capsule. The remainder of the tube would be loaded with mostly solid pellets 22.
Tube 10 is sealed at each end by caps 26a and 26b by welding or other means known in the art for closing the end of nuclear fuel tubes. As indicated above, the sealing of the tube must be secure to avoid leakage. In the embodiment shown in Fig. 1 a standard thin-walled tube houses thirteen pellets in each chamber with central openings 14 therethrough for a total of 26 such pellets. These pellets are made of a material having good neutron absorption properties such 132~ 037 Case 3014 as a zircalium alloy of the type defined under ASTM
standards as zircaloy 4 or zircaloy 6. Other materials such as a titanium alloy can also be used.
Alternatively the pellets are made of a ceramic material such as zirconia or beryllia.
Fig. 2 shows one face of a cored cylindrical pellet 12 having a central bore 14 therethrough. The outer diameter of pellet 12 is of a size to provide a snug sliding fit inside tube lo.
Fig. 3 illustrates a outline of one side of an end pellet 18. This i5 usually made of the same material as pellet 12 but does not have a central opening. The end of the pellet which is to be immediately adjacent the tube opening has beveled edges for permitting close ~itting of the tube cap onto the rim of the tube. The opposite end has a cupped or dished recess 20 to permit expansion of the helium gas within.
This tube, which is identical in size and length to the uranium oxide fuel tubes, is included in a fuel bundle in a manner well known in the art. These bundles which normally contain 28 or more fuel tubes per bundle can substitute one or more encapsulating tubes of the present invention in place of a fuel tube, 50 that the encapsulated material may be irradiated during the normal reactor process. The outside of the tube will normally include bearing pads and spacer pads as is well known in the art of nuclear fuel tubes.
While this invention is particularly adapted for the irradiation of cobalt capsules, it must be appreciated that other material suitable for irradiation such as iridium, phosphorous and even krypton can be secured and irradiated in this manner.
It must also be appreciated that for safety and loss reduction, the material to be irradiated is not usually inserted directly into pellet openings 14 but is itself sealed or entrained within a capsule or . - :
_ 7 :L 3 210 3 7 cartridge of solid material having low neutron absorption characteristics. When used herein, the term "metallic capsule" therefore usually refers to the entraining capsule as well as the component to be irradiated which is sealed therewithin.
While certain preferred embodiments have been disclosed, it will be evident to those skilled in the art that obvious modifications can be made without departing from the spirit of the disclosed invention or from the scope of the appended claims.
, , - , , ' ' .
This invention relates to a reinforced tube for a nuclear fuel bundle. More particularly, it relates to a nuclear tube for retaining and r~inforcing a capsule during its irradiation in a nuclear reactor.
Background of the Invention The irradiation of certain metals to produce their radioactive isotopes has been in commercial use for some years. certain of these isotopes were found to be of particularly useful in medical diagnosis and treatment. As a result, the irradiation of cobalt 59 to its isotope, for example, is now carried out on a production basis to maintain an adequate supply for medical use.
Irradiation may be carried out by enclosing a capsule of the metal in one or more thick-walled support tubes similar to a nuclear fuel element. In the case of Candu reactors, the fuel elements consist o~ a elongated tube or sheath containing pellets of fissionable material such as uranium oxide. It would be advantageous if such tubes could be adapted to contain a capsule to be irradiated instead of nuclear fuel. In such cases, some of the fuel bundles could include one or more tubes containing capsules of the prescribed metal instead of the uranium oxide.
.' . ~' 1 32 10 ~7 Case 3014 Nuclear fuel tubes undergo high stress in the nuclear reactor. As a result, the walls of the fuel tubes collapse down on the fuel pellets contained therein. Since these pellets are strong enough to withstand the stress, collapse of the walls is not a serious factor. When a fuel bundle has to be replaced, all of the tubes together with the spent fuel elements secured therein, are discarded.
In the case of those rods which contain an irradiated capsule instead of a fuel element, it is obviously necessary to be able to recover the irradiated capsule from the tube. Consequently, special thick-walled tubes are usually used to house these capsules in the reactor.
It would be advantageous if the relatively thin-walled tubing regularly used for housing the uranium oxide fuel pellets could be adapted to house the metal capsules. In this way only one type o~ tube would have to be manufactured and engineering and production costs could be kept low.
The applicant has developed an element for a Candu reactor fuel bundle which utilizes this relatively thin-walled tube for the metal capsules yet allows the isotopic capsule to be easily removed after irradiation. This is accomplished by packing one or more capsules within and between a number of support pellets. These pellets must be of a material having low neutron absorption characteristics, such as a zirconium alloy~
The use of support or reinforcing material in a nuclear fuel tube is known. One example can be found in the applicant's Canadian patent 999,687 issued November 9, 1976. This reference describes the incorporation of certain fibrous non-metallic material within a fuel tube to strengthen the tube against the 1321037 Case 3014 stress of the nuclear reaction. This reference however is concerned with a tube containing nuclear fuel and not a capsule for irradiation. The support material of the present invention is not the fibrous material described in the reference and must have low neutron absorption characteristics.
Summarv of the Invention The present invention provides a tube for retaining and supporting a capsule during irradiation in a nuclear reactor. The tube is loaded with a series of axially aligned pellets of a material having good neutron absorption properties. Each of the pellets has an axial bore therethrough 50 as to define a central cavity in the tube with the central bores of adjacent pellets. The outer diameter of the pellets is such as to provide a close fit within the tube for supporting the walls when the tube is under extexnal pressure. A
solid pellet is positioned at each end of the defined cavity, closing the ends thereofO
The tube is then sealed by means of a cap secured at each end. Closing the ends simulates the situation existing in a fuel tube containing uranium oxide pellets and such closure also hinders the escape of helium gas used to fill the fuel element. It is presently known in the art to include helium gas in a nuclear fuel element immediately before welding the end caps onto the tube. The integrity of the weld between the cap and the tube end is thus verified by testing for possible helium leakage.
It is an object of the invention to provide a relatively thin-walled tube having reinforcing means ~or retaining and securing a capsule during the irradiation thereo~ in a nuclear reactor.
It is another object of the invention to provide a tube for a nuclear fuel bundle, said tube ~3210~7 Case 3014 retaining and securing a capsule for irradiation thereof during the nuclear reaction process.
These and other objects are attained by means of a reinforced irradiation tube for a nuclear fuel bundle comprising:
a) an elongated tube of zirconium alloy having a greater length to diameter ratio;
b) a plurality of centrally cored pellets of a material having low neutron absorption characteristics and an outer diameter such as to provide a snug fit within said tube, said pellets being axially aligned to define a central passage through said cores;
c) a metallic capsule secured in said central passage for irradiation therein;
d) at least one solid pellet having low neutron absorption characteristics positioned at each end of said tube for closing off said central opening, said solid pellet having the same outer diameter as the cored pellets;
e) a cap at each end of said tube for securing and sealing the contents thereof.
Brief Description of the Drawinas Figure 1 is a cross-sectional outline of a tube of the present invention;
Figure 2 is front view of a cored pellet having a central bore therethrough; and, Figure 3 is a side view of one of the end pellets in the tube.
Detailed Description of a Preferred Embodiment In Fig. 1, a tube 10 is shown which is suitable for use as a nuclear fuel element or as a retainer for a metallic capsule. A number of cored pellets 12 are positioned in axial alignment within the tube. Each pellet 12 is cored to form a central 1321037 case 3014 opening 14. In addition, the tube has at least one solid pellet at each end, identified as 16 and 18 respectively for closing off the central passage defined by the alignment of the central openings 14 in pellets 12. Each of the end pellets has a cupped or dished recess 20, the purpose of which is to retain and seal the helium gas that is charged into the tube prior to welding the end caps in place.
Further reinforcement of the tube can be maintained by the additional of one or more solid pellets 22 in the center of the tube which also serves to divide the central passage into two chambers. The solid pellets may be divided at 24 by a cored pellet so that after irradiation the entire tube may be cut across at this point to yield two sections, each with an irradiated capsule. In the embodiment of Fig.l, an elongated cobalt capsule (not shown) may be positioned in each of the respective chambers of the central passage.
In another embodiment, the tube of the present invention could be structured to retain a single cobalt capsule. In which case, only a sufficient number of pellets 12 having central openings would be used to form one central passage the length of a single capsule. The remainder of the tube would be loaded with mostly solid pellets 22.
Tube 10 is sealed at each end by caps 26a and 26b by welding or other means known in the art for closing the end of nuclear fuel tubes. As indicated above, the sealing of the tube must be secure to avoid leakage. In the embodiment shown in Fig. 1 a standard thin-walled tube houses thirteen pellets in each chamber with central openings 14 therethrough for a total of 26 such pellets. These pellets are made of a material having good neutron absorption properties such 132~ 037 Case 3014 as a zircalium alloy of the type defined under ASTM
standards as zircaloy 4 or zircaloy 6. Other materials such as a titanium alloy can also be used.
Alternatively the pellets are made of a ceramic material such as zirconia or beryllia.
Fig. 2 shows one face of a cored cylindrical pellet 12 having a central bore 14 therethrough. The outer diameter of pellet 12 is of a size to provide a snug sliding fit inside tube lo.
Fig. 3 illustrates a outline of one side of an end pellet 18. This i5 usually made of the same material as pellet 12 but does not have a central opening. The end of the pellet which is to be immediately adjacent the tube opening has beveled edges for permitting close ~itting of the tube cap onto the rim of the tube. The opposite end has a cupped or dished recess 20 to permit expansion of the helium gas within.
This tube, which is identical in size and length to the uranium oxide fuel tubes, is included in a fuel bundle in a manner well known in the art. These bundles which normally contain 28 or more fuel tubes per bundle can substitute one or more encapsulating tubes of the present invention in place of a fuel tube, 50 that the encapsulated material may be irradiated during the normal reactor process. The outside of the tube will normally include bearing pads and spacer pads as is well known in the art of nuclear fuel tubes.
While this invention is particularly adapted for the irradiation of cobalt capsules, it must be appreciated that other material suitable for irradiation such as iridium, phosphorous and even krypton can be secured and irradiated in this manner.
It must also be appreciated that for safety and loss reduction, the material to be irradiated is not usually inserted directly into pellet openings 14 but is itself sealed or entrained within a capsule or . - :
_ 7 :L 3 210 3 7 cartridge of solid material having low neutron absorption characteristics. When used herein, the term "metallic capsule" therefore usually refers to the entraining capsule as well as the component to be irradiated which is sealed therewithin.
While certain preferred embodiments have been disclosed, it will be evident to those skilled in the art that obvious modifications can be made without departing from the spirit of the disclosed invention or from the scope of the appended claims.
, , - , , ' ' .
Claims (9)
- - 8 - Case 3014 The embodiments of the invention in which an exclusive property or privilege is claimed are defined as follows:
l. A reinforced irradiation tube for a nuclear fuel bundle comprising:
a) an elongated tube of zirconium alloy having a greater length to diameter ratio;
b) a plurality of centrally cored pellets of a material having low neutron absorption characteristics and an outer diameter such as to provide a snug fit within said tube, said pellets being axially aligned to define a central passage through said cores;
c) a metallic capsule secured in said central passage for irradiation therein;
d) at least one solid pellet having low neutron absorption characteristics positioned at each end of said tube for closing off said central passage, said solid pellet having the same outer diameter as the core pellets;
e) a cap at each end of said tube for securing and sealing the contents thereof. - 2. An irradiation tube as claimed in claim 1 wherein said metallic capsule is cobalt.
- 3. An irradiation tube as claimed in claim 2 wherein said pellets are of a material selected from zirconium alloy and titanium alloy.
- 4. An irradiation tube as claimed in claim 2 wherein said pellets are of a ceramic material selected from zirconia and beryllia.
- 5. An irradiation tube as claimed in claim 3 or 4 wherein said tube includes at least one additional solid pellet for providing further reinforcement of said tube.
- 6. A reinforced irradiation tube for a nuclear fuel bundle comprising:
- 9 - Case 3014 a) an elongated tube of zirconium alloy having a greater length to diameter ratio;
b) a plurality of centrally cored pellets of a material having low neutron absorption characteristics and an outer diameter such as to provide a snug fit within said tube, said pellets being axially aligned to define a central passage through said core;
c) at least one solid pellet positioned at each end of said tube for closing off said central passage, said solid pellet being of the same material and outer diameter as the cored pellets;
d) at least one further solid pellet positioned substantially at the axial center of said tube for separating said central passage into a first chamber and a second chamber;
e) a metallic capsule secured in each of said first and said second chamber for irradiation therein;
f) a cap at each end of said tube for securing and sealing the contents thereof. - 7. An irradiation tube as claimed in claim 6 wherein each said metallic capsule is cobalt.
- 8. An irradiation tube as claimed in claim 7 wherein said pellets are of a material selected from zirconium alloy and titanium alloy.
- 9. An irradiation tube as claimed in claim 8 wherein metallic capsule is one selected from iridium and phosphorous.
Priority Applications (1)
| Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
|---|---|---|---|
| CA000586756A CA1321037C (en) | 1988-12-22 | 1988-12-22 | Reinforced nuclear fuel element for cobalt capsules |
Applications Claiming Priority (1)
| Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
|---|---|---|---|
| CA000586756A CA1321037C (en) | 1988-12-22 | 1988-12-22 | Reinforced nuclear fuel element for cobalt capsules |
Publications (1)
| Publication Number | Publication Date |
|---|---|
| CA1321037C true CA1321037C (en) | 1993-08-03 |
Family
ID=4139355
Family Applications (1)
| Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
|---|---|---|---|
| CA000586756A Expired - Fee Related CA1321037C (en) | 1988-12-22 | 1988-12-22 | Reinforced nuclear fuel element for cobalt capsules |
Country Status (1)
| Country | Link |
|---|---|
| CA (1) | CA1321037C (en) |
Cited By (2)
| Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| CN109741844A (en) * | 2018-12-29 | 2019-05-10 | 中核北方核燃料元件有限公司 | A kind of automatic tubulature device of pellet |
| CN114005553A (en) * | 2021-10-09 | 2022-02-01 | 上海核工程研究设计院有限公司 | A fuel assembly for nuclear reactor production of isotopes |
-
1988
- 1988-12-22 CA CA000586756A patent/CA1321037C/en not_active Expired - Fee Related
Cited By (3)
| Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| CN109741844A (en) * | 2018-12-29 | 2019-05-10 | 中核北方核燃料元件有限公司 | A kind of automatic tubulature device of pellet |
| CN109741844B (en) * | 2018-12-29 | 2022-10-21 | 中核北方核燃料元件有限公司 | Automatic core block pipe installing device |
| CN114005553A (en) * | 2021-10-09 | 2022-02-01 | 上海核工程研究设计院有限公司 | A fuel assembly for nuclear reactor production of isotopes |
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