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US 4,780,268 AGranted
Neutron absorber articles
AssigneeWestinghouse Electric Corp.
InventorsJohn S. Papai, Leopoldo Marti-Balaguer
Life of this patent
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Abstract
A neutron absorber element is composed of a metallic substrate bonded to a refractory coating containing gadolinium oxide. It has been found that these articles have excellent resistance to thermal shock, mechanical impact, abrasion, high temperature and water damage. These properties, in conjunction with its excellent nuclear properties, make these articles particularly well suited for use as neutron absorber elements in shipping containers for nuclear reactor fuel assemblies, and spent fuel storage racks.
Claims14
In combination with a nuclear fuel shipping container, the combination comprising:
- means for supporting nuclear fuel assemblies;
- at least two neutron absorber elements;
- each major side of said absorber elements loaded with at least about 0.020 gm Gd203 per square centimeter;
- and said neutron absorber elements contained within said means for supporting nuclear fuel assemblies each of said at least two neutron absorber elements comprising
- a ductile metallic substrate and
- a refractory coating;
- said refractory coating bonded to the exterior of said metallic substrate;
- said refractory coating containing said at least about 0.020 gm Gd203 per square centimeter which is sufficient to render said refractory coating substantially opaque to thermal neutrons;
- said refractory coating being selected from the group consisting of (porcelain enamels and) cermets composed essentially of gadolinia;
- clay constituents;
- a borated glass;
- and alumina and/or zirconia and aluminum and/or zirconium.
9 more elements
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.