Patents Assigned to Atomic Energy of Canada Limited
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Patent number: 10964438Abstract: A system for monitoring fissile material contents inside of a nuclear reactor can include at least a first neutron detector positioned outside a radiation shield and configured to detect a plurality of neutrons originating from the reactor core and having passed through the radiation shield, and configured to generate a first output signal, and a controller communicably linked to the first neutron detector to receive the first output signal and a power output of the nuclear reactor.Type: GrantFiled: September 22, 2017Date of Patent: March 30, 2021Assignee: Atomic Energy Of Canada Limited / Energie Atomique Du Canada LimiteeInventors: Bryan van der Ende, Bhaskar Sur
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Patent number: 10950356Abstract: Nuclear fuels for nuclear reactors are described, and include nuclear fuels having a first fuel component of recycled uranium, and a second fuel component of depleted uranium blended with the first fuel component, wherein the blended first and second fuel components have a fissile content of less than 1.2 wt % of 235U. Also described are nuclear fuels having a first fuel component of recycled uranium, and a second fuel component of natural uranium blended with the first fuel component, wherein the blended first and second fuel components have a fissile content of less than 1.2 wt % of 235U.Type: GrantFiled: November 15, 2010Date of Patent: March 16, 2021Assignee: ATOMIC ENERGY OF CANADA LIMITEDInventors: Sermet Kuran, Mustapha Boubcher, Cathy Cottrell
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Patent number: 10902963Abstract: It is common to store decayed radioactive waste in waste packages, lowered into vertical concrete cylindrical storage containers called tile holes. These containers of these packages decay over time and may become fragile, making it difficult to remove them using conventional methods. A retrieval tool has been developed, comprising a cylinder that fits between the tile hole internal diameter and the outside diameter of the waste package inside the tile hole. Inflatable air wedges are equally spaced inside the cylinder. The air wedges are inflated to a low pressure (2.1 psig) to provide uniform grip to the outside of the packages, minimizing the risk of damage to the decayed containers. A back-up system uses horizontal safety bars at the bottom of the cylinder, which may be rotated to form a partial platform under the waste package, preventing the package from falling in the event of a failure.Type: GrantFiled: June 18, 2019Date of Patent: January 26, 2021Assignee: ATOMIC ENERGY OF CANADA LIMITEDInventors: Michel Gaudet, Neil Briden, Malcolm Clough
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Patent number: 10850979Abstract: A hydrogen storage assembly includes at least one wafer formed of a substrate material that produces metal hydride when exposed to a hydrogen-rich carrier fluid. The wafer can be supported by a housing and arranged so that the hydrogen-rich carrier fluid can flow over a reaction surface of the wafer. At least one heating element can be arranged to transfer heat to the wafer to attain an operating temperature suitable for hydrogen charging on the reaction surface. A de-activation material may be provided on the reaction surface for inhibiting formation of surface oxide that impedes hydrogen absorption during charging and hydrogen desorption during discharging. The at least one wafer can include a plurality of monolithic plate wafers spaced apart about a central axis of the assembly. The at least one wafer can include a plurality of monolithic disc wafers in at least one stacked arrangement.Type: GrantFiled: December 7, 2016Date of Patent: December 1, 2020Assignee: ATOMIC ENERGY OF CANADA LIMITED / ÉNERGIE ATOMIQUE DU CANADA LIMITÉEInventors: Randy W. L. Fong, James Patrick, Michael Gale
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Patent number: 10847270Abstract: A nuclear reactor can include a pressure vessel for containing a pressurized moderator at a first pressure. The nuclear reactor can also include a plurality of fuel channels for a coolant fluid at a second pressure. The plurality of fuel channels are fluidly connected at inlet ends thereof to a coolant supply conduit and are adapted to receive nuclear fuel bundles and to be mounted within the pressure vessel and surrounded by the moderator. The outlet ends of the fuel channels are fluidly connected to a coolant outlet conduit to enable the coolant fluid to circulate from the coolant supply conduit through the fuel channels to the coolant outlet conduit. The plurality of fuel channels maintain separation between the coolant fluid circulating within the fuel channels and the moderator.Type: GrantFiled: June 22, 2017Date of Patent: November 24, 2020Assignee: Atomic Energy of Canada Limited / Energie Atomique du Canada LimiteeInventors: Robert Bodner, Jonathan Tyo, Dan Popov, Sermet Kuran
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Patent number: 10670738Abstract: A portable detection apparatus can include a housing, a first detector for detecting ionizing radiation from a first subject and a second detector within the housing for the detecting the background radiation. A shield within the housing can surround the first and second detectors and define a shield aperture around the first and second detectors for radiation from the subject to enter the housing. A radiation blocking member can substantially block at least a portion of the ionizing radiation from reaching the second detector, whereby radiation detected by the second detector comprises substantially only the background radiation. A processor module can be connected to the first and second detectors for determining the amount of ionizing radiation detected by the first detector attributable to secondary radiation.Type: GrantFiled: May 8, 2018Date of Patent: June 2, 2020Assignee: Atomic Energy of Canada Limited / Energie Atomique Du Canada LimiteeInventors: Xiongxin Dai, Liqian Li, Guy Jonkmans, Aaron Ho
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Patent number: 10585197Abstract: A portable detection apparatus includes a fluid inlet to acquire a stream of fluid, a fluid outlet and a fluid flowpath therebetween. A pump circulates the fluid through the fluid flowpath. A gamma spectrometer and a mercury analyzer engage the fluid flowpath to analyze and detect radiation emitted by the fluid. A filter trap is in the fluid flowpath downstream from the gamma spectrometer and the mercury analyzer. The filter trap includes a valve assembly and at least a first and second filter for collecting gaseous constituents from the fluid. Each filter is removably connected to the first valve assembly. The valve assembly has a first configuration, in which the first filter is fluidly connected to the fluid flowpath and the second filter is fluidly isolated from the fluid flowpath, and a second configuration, in which the second filter is fluidly connected to the fluid flowpath and the first filter is fluidly isolated from the fluid flowpath.Type: GrantFiled: July 23, 2018Date of Patent: March 10, 2020Assignee: Atomic Energy Of Canada LimitedInventors: Neil Anthony Briden, Adrienne Lynn McKay Ethier, Paul Kenyon Leeson, Joel Vandal
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Patent number: 10585067Abstract: A system and method for non-destructive analysis of a structure. A probe acquires a transient time based reference signal and at least one test signal. The reference signal and test signals are transformed to the frequency domain. The frequency domain test signal can be normalized using the frequency domain reference signal. Parameters of interest are evaluated at each test location by iteratively determining estimated parameter values, generating an estimated frequency domain test signal using the estimated parameter values and determining the convergence between the estimated frequency domain test signal and the normalized frequency domain test signal. The parameters values are determined as the estimated parameter values resulting in a maximized convergence between the estimated signal and the normalized test signal. The parameter values can be used to visualize and model various features of the structure.Type: GrantFiled: January 31, 2017Date of Patent: March 10, 2020Assignee: Atomic Energy Of Canada LimitedInventors: Dag Horn, Brian A. Lepine, Jia Lei
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Publication number: 20200024755Abstract: The invention relates to isotope separation methods, and methods for separating isotopes with low energy consumption, demonstrated using hydrogen isotopes. Also described are methods for enriching or depleting the isotope present in the hydrogen gas/vapour feed e.g. for tritium removal, tritium enrichment and deuterium enrichment, by arranging a series of cells in a cascaded configuration.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 7, 2019Publication date: January 23, 2020Applicant: ATOMIC ENERGY OF CANADA LIMITEDInventors: Keith KUTCHCOSKIE, Nirmal GNANAPRAGASAM, Hugh BONIFACE, Ian CASTILLO, Hongqiang Li
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Patent number: 10513443Abstract: A method of preparing magnetite particles may include providing a first solution of substantially ferrous sulphate. The first solution may be converted by replacing sulphate ions with chloride ions to produce a second solution of substantially ferrous chloride. The second solution may be oxidized to produce a third solution of substantially iron oxide. A system for purifying a solution of substantially iron oxide may include a solution reservoir, at least one membrane unit, and at least one pump for circulating the solution between the solution reservoir and the membrane unit. The solution may be delivered from the solution reservoir to an inlet of the membrane unit, and/or the solution may be returned from an outlet of the membrane unit to the solution reservoir.Type: GrantFiled: November 17, 2016Date of Patent: December 24, 2019Assignee: ATOMIC ENERGY OF CANADA LIMITED/ ÉNERGIE ATOMIQUE DU CANADA LIMITÉEInventors: Kittima Khumsa-Ang, Carl W. Turner, Jing Qian
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Patent number: 10515732Abstract: A sealing apparatus for mitigating emissions of a hazardous gas flowing between first and second regions. A body of the apparatus includes at least one inlet, at least one outlet spaced apart from the at least one inlet, and a channel connecting the at least one inlet and the at least one outlet in fluid communication. Treatment material housed in at least a portion of the channel is adapted to treat the hazardous gas to form a conditioned gas. In use, the hazardous gas being emitted from the first region is received at the at least one inlet, and the conditioned gas is discharged to the second region at the at least one outlet. The apparatus may be used in combination with a storage container housing radioactive or other toxic waste.Type: GrantFiled: March 14, 2014Date of Patent: December 24, 2019Assignee: ATOMIC ENERGY OF CANADA LIMITEDInventors: Malcolm James Clough, Jintong Li, Harry Adams, Randy Hampel, Neil Briden, Naweed Munir
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Patent number: 10428950Abstract: A packing assembly for a valve includes a first segment having at least one first guiding surface, and a second segment having at least one second guiding surface in engagement with at least a portion of the at least one first guiding surface. A shape-memory member couples the first and second segments. The shape-memory member may be formed of a material that is responsive to changes in temperature, so that, in response to a change in temperature, the shape-memory member may cause relative movement of the first and second segments in a first direction. In response to the movement, the first and second guiding surfaces may cause relative displacement of the first and second segments in a second direction.Type: GrantFiled: March 23, 2016Date of Patent: October 1, 2019Assignee: ATOMIC ENERGY OF CANADA LIMITED / ÉNERGIE ATOMIQUE DU CANADA LIMITÉEInventors: Mathew Stevenson, Fabrice Guerout, Rick Boor
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Patent number: 10347384Abstract: The present invention provides an apparatus for detecting and/or repositioning annulus spacers used to maintain the position of a pressure tube within a calandria tube of a nuclear reactor. The method comprises the steps of: vibrationally isolating a section of the pressure tube; vibrating the wall of said pressure tube within said isolated section; detecting vibration of the wall at a minimum of two axial positions within said isolated sections; and detecting the reduction in vibration level of the wall at one or more of said axial positions in comparison to the remaining axial positions. The apparatus comprises a tool head to be inserted into the pressure tube, the tool head comprising a first end and a second and a clamping block m each of said ends. The clamping blocks are used to vibrationally isolate a section of the pressure tube located between said ends.Type: GrantFiled: September 7, 2016Date of Patent: July 9, 2019Assignee: ATOMIC ENERGY OF CANADA LIMITEDInventors: James M. King, Bruce A. W. Smith, Paul Feenstra
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Patent number: 10242761Abstract: A method for preparing alpha sources of polonium. A sample of polonium is provided in a solution. A controlled amount of sulfide and a controlled amount of a metal capable of forming an insoluble sulfide salt in the solution are introduced into the solution, in order to co-precipitate polonium from the solution. The precipitates are filtered out.Type: GrantFiled: March 25, 2014Date of Patent: March 26, 2019Assignee: ATOMIC ENERGY OF CANADA LIMITEDInventors: Nicolas Guerin, Xiongxin Dai
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Patent number: 10176898Abstract: Fuel bundles for a nuclear reactor are described and illustrated, and in some cases include fuel elements each having a fissile content of 235U between about 0.9 wt % 235U and 5.0 wt % 235U, and wherein at least one of the fuel elements is a poisoned low-enriched uranium fuel element including a neutron poison in a concentration greater than about 5.0 vol %.Type: GrantFiled: November 15, 2011Date of Patent: January 8, 2019Assignee: ATOMIC ENERGY OF CANADA LIMITEDInventors: Mustapha Boubcher, Sermet Kuran, Cathy Cottrell, Robert R. Bodner
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Patent number: 10170211Abstract: A method of collecting 3He from a nuclear reactor may include the steps of a) providing heavy water at least part of which is exposed to a neutron flux of the reactor, b) providing a cover gas in fluid communication with the heavy water, c) operating the nuclear reactor whereby thermal neutron activation of deuterium in the heavy water produces tritium (3H) and at least some of the tritium produces 3He gas by ?? decay and at least a portion of the 3He gas escapes from the heavy water and mixes with the cover gas, d) extracting an outlet gas stream, the outlet gas stream comprising a mixture of the cover gas and the 3He gas and e) separating the 3He gas from the outlet gas stream.Type: GrantFiled: August 19, 2016Date of Patent: January 1, 2019Assignee: Atomic Energy of Canada Limited / Énergie Atomique Du Canada LimitéeInventors: Bhaskar Sur, Lakshman Rodrigo, Richard Didsbury
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Publication number: 20180354786Abstract: A hydrogen storage assembly includes at least one wafer formed of a substrate material that produces metal hydride when exposed to a hydrogen-rich carrier fluid. The wafer can be supported by a housing and arranged so that the hydrogen-rich carrier fluid can flow over a reaction surface of the wafer. At least one heating element can be arranged to transfer heat to the wafer to attain an operating temperature suitable for hydrogen charging on the reaction surface. A de-activation material may be provided on the reaction surface for inhibiting formation of surface oxide that impedes hydrogen absorption during charging and hydrogen desorption during discharging. The at least one wafer can include a plurality of monolithic plate wafers spaced apart about a central axis of the assembly. The at least one wafer can include a plurality of monolithic disc wafers in at least one stacked arrangement.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 7, 2016Publication date: December 13, 2018Applicant: ATOMIC ENERGY OF CANADA LIMITED / ÉNERGIE ATOMIQUE DU CANADA LIMITÉEInventors: Randy W.L. Fong, James Patrick, Michael Gale
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Publication number: 20180327276Abstract: A method of preparing magnetite particles may include providing a first solution of substantially ferrous sulphate. The first solution may be converted by replacing sulphate ions with chloride ions to produce a second solution of substantially ferrous chloride. The second solution may be oxidized to produce a third solution of substantially iron oxide. A system for purifying a solution of substantially iron oxide may include a solution reservoir, at least one membrane unit, and at least one pump for circulating the solution between the solution reservoir and the membrane unit. The solution may be delivered from the solution reservoir to an inlet of the membrane unit, and/or the solution may be returned from an outlet of the membrane unit to the solution reservoir.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 17, 2016Publication date: November 15, 2018Applicant: Atomic Énergy of Canada Limited/ Energie Atomique Du Canada LimitéeInventors: Kittima Khumsa-Ang, Carl W. Turner, Jing Qian
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Patent number: 10113110Abstract: Described herein is a boron-loaded liquid scintillator composition comprising a scintillation solvent including at least one linear alkylbenzene (LAB), diisopropyl naphthalene (DIN) or phenylxylyl ethane (PXE), or a combination of one or more thereof; at least one boron-containing material; one or more fluors, such as 2,5-diphenyloxazole (PPO), and optionally one or more wavelength shifters, such as 1,4-bis[2-methylstyryl]benzene (bis-MSB). The boron-containing material may comprise a carborane, such as o-carborane, especially those enriched in Boron-10. Methods of preparation of the liquid scintillator composition are also described, as well as concentrates thereof.Type: GrantFiled: February 15, 2013Date of Patent: October 30, 2018Assignee: ATOMIC ENERGY OF CANADA LIMITEDInventors: Xiongxin Dai, Bhaskar Sur, Ghaouti Bentoumi, Liqian Li, Guy Jonkmans
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Patent number: 10107732Abstract: The present invention provides a polymer indentation method and tester that includes measuring the time taken by a polymeric material to recover a set portion of an initial deformation and use this duration as a material degradation indicator. The recovery time was found to be more sensitive to cable degradation than the specific compressive stillness (or indenter modulus) measured during the indentation phase, and this high sensitivity was achieved for both thermally aged and irradiated polymer.Type: GrantFiled: September 19, 2014Date of Patent: October 23, 2018Assignee: ATOMIC ENERGY OF CANADA LIMITEDInventors: Fabrice Guerout, Ladji Cisse, Richard Boor