US3617342A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Nuclear reactor fuel elements
Assignee: United Kingdom Atomic Energy Authority
•
Filing: 1968-03-15
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Granted: 1971-11-02
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Expires: 1988-03-15
Abstract
Abstract A method of producing coated particles of uranium dicarbide wherein a layer of pyrolytic carbon is deposited on uranium carbide particles of composition from UC1.0 to UC1.6 at a temperature (e.g., 1000* C. to 1400* C.) such that little reaction occurs between the particles and the applied carbon coating followed by application of an outer coating of high density fission product retaining material on the carbon coated particles at a temperature (e.g., above 1450* C.) such that reaction takes place between the initial coating of pyrolytic carbon and the uranium carbide particles to form uranium dicarbide (UC1.85). A gap is produced between the particles and the coating on the particles.
Inventors
- 👤 John Vincent Shennan
- 👤 Lionel Houston Ford
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-10-30 21:23
CPC Classifications
G; G21; G21C; G21C3/00; G21C3/42; G21C3/58; G21C3/62; G21C3/626; Y; Y02; Y02E; Y02E30/00; Y02E30/30
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 4
Claim 1
Independent Claim
20 words
A method as claimed in claim 1 wherein the uranium carbide particles employed are of composition from UC1.4 tO UC1.6.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
51 words
A method as claimed in claim 1 wherein an initial layer of carbon is deposited on the uranium carbide particles of greater thickness than required for conversion of the uranium carbide particles to uranium dicarbide whereby a residual inner layer of carbon remains as part of the coating on the particles.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
23 words
A method as claimed in claim 1, wherein the initial carbon coating is deposited on the uranium carbide particles by pyrolysis of methane.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
23 words
A method as claimed in claim 1, wherein the initial carbon coating is deposited on the uranium carbide particles by pyrolysis of acetylene.
References Cited (Backward Citations)
USPTO Annuity & Maintenance Windows
| Annuity Stage | Window Opens | Payment Deadline | Surcharge Period Until | Estimated Fee | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.5 Years (Year 4) | 1974-11-01 | 1975-05-03 | 1975-11-02 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 1978-11-01 | 1979-05-03 | 1979-11-02 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 1982-11-01 | 1983-05-03 | 1983-11-02 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |