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.
Patent No.:
Date of Patent:
Mar. 06, 2018
Filed:
Mar. 05, 2013
Global Nuclear Fuel—americas, Llc, Wilmington, NC (US);
Kevin L. Ledford, Wilmington, NC (US);
Yuk-Chiu Lau, Schenectady, NY (US);
David W. White, Wilmington, NC (US);
Yang-Pi Lin, Wilmington, NC (US);
Paul E. Cantonwine, Wilmington, NC (US);
Nicholas R. Gullette, Wilmington, NC (US);
Timothy W. Clark, Wilmington, NC (US);
GLOBAL NUCLEAR FUEL—AMERICAS, LLC, Wilmington, NC (US);
Abstract
Nuclear reactor components are treated with thermal methods to increase wear resistance. Example treatments include thermal treatments using particulate or powderized materials to form a coating. Methods can use cold spray, with low heat and high velocities to blast particles on the surface. The particles impact and mechanically deform, forming an interlocking coating with the surface and each other without melting or chemically reacting. Materials in the particles and resultant coatings include metallic alloys, ceramics, and/or metal oxides. Nuclear reactor components usable with methods of increased wear resistance include nuclear fuel rods and assemblies containing the same. Coatings may be formed on any desired surface, including fuel rod positions where spacer contact and fretting is most likely.