The patent badge is an abbreviated version of the USPTO patent document. The patent badge does contain a link to the full patent document.

The patent badge is an abbreviated version of the USPTO patent document. The patent badge covers the following: Patent number, Date patent was issued, Date patent was filed, Title of the patent, Applicant, Inventor, Assignee, Attorney firm, Primary examiner, Assistant examiner, CPCs, and Abstract. The patent badge does contain a link to the full patent document (in Adobe Acrobat format, aka pdf). To download or print any patent click here.

Date of Patent:
Feb. 22, 2022

Filed:

Dec. 31, 2018
Applicant:

Global Nuclear Fuel—americas, Llc, Wilmington, NC (US);

Inventors:

Brett M. Schulz, Wilmington, NC (US);

David W. Webber, Wilmington, NC (US);

Assignee:
Attorney:
Primary Examiner:
Assistant Examiner:
Int. Cl.
CPC ...
G21C 3/32 (2006.01); G21C 3/10 (2006.01); B65D 65/46 (2006.01);
U.S. Cl.
CPC ...
G21C 3/32 (2013.01); B65D 65/46 (2013.01); G21C 3/10 (2013.01);
Abstract

Packaging structures and systems are used for handling components for use in a nuclear reactor. The packaging protects the component during transport and handling and then dissolves in liquid in the nuclear reactor or fuel pool. The packaging need not be removed and may block flow paths or otherwise interfere with operability were it not for its dissolution. The packaging may include shock absorbers in a fuel assembly or a seal on a water rod in the assembly. Mechanical, frictional, or chemical retaining materials may be used to secure the packaging and may also dissolve in the liquid. For a light water reactor, polymers, protein gels, and plastics can all be used where they will dissolve in the water and are otherwise compatible with reactor chemistry and neutronics. Materials with higher temperatures for solubility may be used because they will dissolve when reactor operations commence.


Find Patent Forward Citations

Loading…