Abstract: A nuclear fuel includes uranium(IV) oxide (UO2) and manganese (Mn) as a dopant. The Mn dopant may be present in the fuel in an amount up to the solubility limit for Mn under a given set of conditions, for example, about 0.01 wt % to about 1 wt %. The nuclear fuel is substantially free of aluminum (Al). The nuclear fuel exhibits enhanced grain size development during sintering temperatures as low at 1400 K due to an increase in uranium sub-lattice vacancies induced by dissolution of the Mn dopant at interstitial defect sites. The Mn-doped nuclear fuel exhibits improved grain sizes at lower temperatures compared to Cr-, Al-, and undoped UO2, and therefore desirably exhibits lower fission gas release and higher plasticity, reducing the chances of fuel rod failure.

Abstract: A fabrication method of burnable absorber nuclear fuel pellets and burnable absorber nuclear fuel pellets fabricated by the same are provided, in which the fabrication method includes adding boron compound and manganese compound to one or more type of nuclear fuel powders selected from the group consisting of uranium dioxide (UO2), plutonium dioxide (PuO2) and thorium dioxide (ThO2) and mixing the same (step 1), compacting the mixed powder of step 1 into compacts (step 2), and sintering the compacts of step 2 under hydrogen atmosphere (step 3). According to the fabrication method, sintering can be performed under hydrogen atmosphere at a temperature lower than the hydrogen atmosphere sintering that is conventionally applied in the nuclear fuel sintered pellet mass production, by adding sintering additives such as manganese oxide or the like.

Abstract: A nanofuel engine including receiving nanofuel (including moderator, nanoscale molecular dimensions & molecular mixture) internally in an internal combustion engine that releases nuclear energy, is set forth. A nanofuel chemical composition of fissile fuel, passive agent, and moderator. A method of obtaining transuranic elements for nanofuel including: receiving spent nuclear fuel (SNF); separating elements from SNF, including a stream of elements with Z>92, fissile fuel, passive agent, fertile fuel, or fission products; and providing elements. A method of using transuranic elements to create nanofuel, including: receiving, converting, and mixing the transuranic elements with a moderator to obtain nanofuel. A method of operating a nanofuel engine loaded with nanofuel in spark or compression ignition mode.

Abstract: This invention relates to a method of preparing nuclear fuel including the step of depositing at least two adjacent series of layers (16, 18) around a kernel (12) of fissile material, each series comprising a layer of pyrolytic carbon (16) contiguous with a layer of silicon carbide (18) and each layer (16, 18) having a thickness of at most (10) micrometers, such that alternate layers of (16, 18) of pyrolytic carbon and silicon carbide are deposited around the kernel (12). The invention extends to a nuclear fuel element (10).

Abstract: Compositions are provided that include nuclear fuel. Methods for treating nuclear fuel are provided which can include exposing the fuel to a carbonate-peroxide solution. Methods can also include exposing the fuel to an ammonium solution. Methods for acquiring molybdenum from a uranium comprising material are provided.

Abstract: Compositions are provided that include nuclear fuel. Methods for treating nuclear fuel are provided which can include exposing the fuel to a carbonate-peroxide solution. Methods can also include exposing the fuel to an ammonium solution. Methods for acquiring molybdenum from a uranium comprising material are provided.

Abstract: The present invention includes a composition of LiF—ThF4—UF4—PuF3 for use as a fuel in a nuclear engine.

Abstract: A method of processing spent TRIZO-coated nuclear fuel may include adding fluoride to complex zirconium present in a dissolved TRIZO-coated fuel. Complexing the zirconium with fluoride may reduce or eliminate the potential for zirconium to interfere with the extraction of uranium and/or transuranics from fission materials in the spent nuclear fuel.

Abstract: The present invention generally relates to high-energy composition utilized with reactors and combustors for generating electricity either directly through nuclear or magnetic energy, or indirectly through thermal energy that incorporate the high-energy composition into at least one reactor operable at a temperature greater than 1000 Celsius and containing the composition with at least one co-reactant of Boron-10, with the Boron-10 specifically enabling an at least five percent increase of energy generation and/or efficiency as compared the same reaction without Boron-10. In one embodiment, the present invention relates to the Boron-10 composition within a high-energy reactor operable at a temperature at least 1000 Celsius and a method that applies at least one externally applied force acting upon the Boron-10 portion of the reactor.

Abstract: A process for producing a UO.sub.2 pellet comprising the steps of producing UO.sub.2 powder in accordance with the ADU (ammonium diuranate) method or the AUC (ammonium uranyl carbonate) method, forming a compact of said UO.sub.2 powder, and sintering the compact, wherein UO.sub.2 powder having a specific surface area of 5-50 m.sup.2 /g is used as a raw material in the compact forming step. At least one of chlorine or a chlorine compound (or bromine or a bromine compound) is added, in one or more of the UO.sub.2 powder producing step, compact forming step, or compact sintering step, in an amount such that the chlorine content (or bromine content) in the UO.sub.2 pellet amounts to 3-25 ppm chlorine (or 6-50 ppm bromine).

Abstract: A method of preparing active, sinterable, finely-divided plutonium oxide (PuO.sub.2) powder from plutonium metal is disclosed. The process yields plutonium fissile material which can be easily blended to form a uniformly homogeneous powder for the fabrication of high-quality light water reactor ceramic fuel pellets. Such homogeneous fuels are required to prevent hot spots from developing in a reactor using the fuel.

Abstract: A process for the extraction of cations from an aqueous effluent. An effective quantity of at least one polymer or copolymer, which is physically or chemically crosslinked, is introduced into the aqueous effluent. The polymer or copolymer is based on one or more units selected from salified acrylic acid, quarternized acrylic acid, and a copolymer comprising from 40 to 60 mole % of acrylic acid and from 60 to 40 mole % of at least one dialkylaminoalkyl acrylate in which each alkyl group contains from 1 to 4 carbon atoms. This process is used to treat aqueous effluents.

Abstract: A method of controlling the crystal grain size of UO.sub.2 pellets is disclosed, which comprises(1) providing an aqueous uranyl solution which is free of hydrofluoric acid and nitric acid and which contains uranyl fluoride (UO.sub.2 F.sub.2) and/or uranyl nitrate (UO.sub.2 (NO.sub.3).sub.2) as a uranium component,(2) reacting with ammonia said aqueous uranyl solution to precipitate ammonium diuranate (ADU), while adjusting the ratio of said uranium components to a predetermined value within the range varying from the ratio 100% of uranyl fluoride and 0% of uranyl nitrate to the ratio 0% of uranyl fluoride and 100% of uranyl nitrate, adjusting the uranium concentration of the reaction mixture to 50 to 1,000 gU/liter and also adjusting the rate of contact between said uranium component in said aqueous uranyl solution with ammonia to at least 2 moles NH.sub.3 /min/mole U,(3) calcining and reducing said ADU precipitate to form UO.sub.2 powder, and(4) molding and sintering said UO.sub.2 powder, thus producing UO.

Abstract: A fugitive binder composition for compression molding uranium dioxide nuclear fuel comprising the reaction product of a strongly alkali water solution of a diamine and oxalate ions with uranium oxide which is free of carbonates and carbamates, and having the formula:[.sup.+ NH.sub.3 (CH.sub.2).sub.2 NH.sub.3.sup.+ ][UO.sub.2 (C.sub.2 O.sub.4).sub.2 (H.sub.2 O).sub.2 ][.sup.+ NH.sub.3 (CH.sub.2).sub.2 NH.sub.3.sup.+ ].

Abstract: A sintered nuclear fuel compact of UO.sub.2 or the mixed oxides (U, Pu)O.sub.2 and (U, Th)O.sub.2, with which reactivity losses in a nuclear reactor having relatively long fuel element cycles are avoided, has in its sintered matrix neutron poison in the chemical compound form UB.sub.x with x=2; 4 and/or 12 and/or B.sub.4 C. A sintered nuclear fuel compact of this kind is produced by sintering from a compact comprising a mixture of at least one of the mixture components UO.sub.2, PuO.sub.2, (U, Pu)O.sub.2 and (U, Th)O.sub.2 powder with UB.sub.x powder, where x=2; 4 and/or 12 and/or B.sub.4 C powder.

Abstract: A flat or curved plate structure, to be used as fuel in a nuclear reactor, comprises elongated fissionable wires or strips embedded in a metallic continuous non-fissionable matrix plate. The wires or strips are made predominantly of a malleable uranium alloy, such as uranium silicide, uranium gallide or uranium germanide. The matrix plate is made predominantly of aluminum or an aluminum alloy. The wires or strips are located in a single row at the midsurface of the plate, parallel with one another and with the length dimension of the plate. The wires or strips are separated from each other, and from the surface of the plate, by sufficient thicknesses of matrix material, to provide structural integrity and effective fission product retention, under neutron irradiation. This construction makes it safely feasible to provide a high uranium density, so that the uranium enrichment with uranium 235 may be reduced below about 20%, to deter the reprocessing of the uranium for use in nuclear weapons.

Abstract: An automated fuel rod production system includes a radioactive powder fabrication and processing stage, a pellet fabrication stage, a pellet processing stage, a tube preparation stage and a fuel rod fabrication and inspection stage, all of which provide a continuous (paced) mode of operation from the conversion of a radioactive gas to powder, through the fabrication of the powder into pellets, to completion of the assembly of the fuel rods. Extra capacity is designed into the system at critical points in the powder processing and pellet fabrication and processing stages to facilitate the continuous, paced mode of operation.

Abstract: UO.sub.2 base powder exhibiting any specific surface and crystallite diameter properties is mixed with rare earth (SE) oxide-containing powder, the particles of which exhibit at least in one surface layer, a crystal lattice of the fluorite type, with the stoichiometric composition (SE.sub.0.5, U.sub.0.5) 0.sub.2.00 and/or form it in sintering; and is compacted to form compacts which are sintered in a gas atmosphere with reducing action at 1500.degree. C. to 1750.degree. C. to form high-density sintered bodies.

Abstract: A reproducible method and stable binder composition for preserving the induced plasticity of a particulate ceramic material admixture comprising uranium dioxide and a fugitive binder, and product thereof, for subsequent compaction by compressing molding in the manufacture of nuclear fuel pellets.

Abstract: Substantially isotropic spherical fuel and absorber elements for high temperature reactors are produced by molding corresponding fuel particles and graphite molding compositions. There is used as graphite molding powder a mixture of graphitized granules of coke and a hardenable resin binder. There are first produced in steel dies at 80.degree. to 120.degree. C. half shells and a nucleus with a pressed density of 1.0 to 1.4 g/cm.sup.3 followed by molding in a further steel die to the final format.

Abstract: To produce spherical fuel or absorber elements for high temperature reactors a mixture of coated nuclear fuel or absorber particles and graphite molding composition is molded into spheres, carbonized in a furnace having gas flushing and calcined in a vacuum. There are attained high throughputs without addition of transportation aides by employing as resin binders a thermosetting synthetic resin, hardening the resin at 110.degree. to 170.degree. C. and subsequently allowing the spheres to roll for 1 to 10 hours through an oven which is inclined around 2.degree. to 12.degree. to the horizontal. Thereby the oven must exhibit an increasing and decreasing temperature profile, the flushing gas introduced from both sides and be removed in a temperature zone of 400.degree. to 500.degree. C.

Abstract: For the production of plate-shaped fuel elements for research reactors having charges of more than 26 volume % of uranium compound in the aluminum matrix according to the known picture frame technique, 0.01 to 0.3 mm thick aluminum layers are applied by rolling to the picture before inserting it into the frame in order to avoid dragging the uranium into the fuel-free zones.

Abstract: Method for the manufacture of oxidic nuclear fuel bodies by a heat treatment of blanks obtained from UO.sub.2 starting power or a mixture of UO.sub.2 and PuO.sub.2 starting powder at a treatment temperature in the range of 1000.degree. C. to 1400.degree. initially in a gas atmosphere with oxidizing action and subsequently in a gas atmosphere with reducing action. The oxygen potential of the gas atmosphere with oxidizing action is kept in a range in which a crystallographically demonstrable U.sub.4 O.sub.9 or (U, Pu).sub.4 O.sub.9 crystal phase is generated in the blanks during the heating to the treatment temperature in this gas atmosphere with oxidizing action.

Abstract: Method for dissolving hard-to-dissolve thorium and/or plutonium oxides, especially dioxides such as ThO.sub.2, PuO.sub.2 or (U/Pu)O.sub.2 mixed oxides by heating the oxides in a hermetically sealed vessel in fluoride-free nitric acid. The use of a gas atmosphere containing oxygen in the sealed vessel is advantageous.

Abstract: An improved method for compression molding typically brittle, particulate ceramic materials comprising uranium dioxide in the manufacture of nuclear fuel products.

Abstract: A method of producing an oxide fuel pellet having a low density is provided which comprises adding a manganese compound to an oxide fuel powder selected from a group consisting of uranium dioxide powder and a mixed powder of uranium dioxide and plutonium dioxide, in an amount of 0.01 to 5.0% by weight based on the weight of the oxide fuel powder, molding the resulting mixture into a pellet form, and sintering the pellet-formed mixture at a temperature of 1,200.degree. to 1,700.degree. C.

Abstract: A nuclear fuel material green body of density from about 30 to 70% of theoretical density having tensile strenght and plasticity adequate to maintain the integrity of the body during processing leading to ultimate sintered condition is produced by adding an amine carbonate or carbamate or mixture thereof to a particulate mass of the nuclear fuel material under conditions resulting in reaction with the amine compound to form a water-soluble compound effective as a binder for the particulate material.

Abstract: A compound of the formula: ##STR1## wherein X is hydrogen or a conventional electron-withdrawing group, particularly --SO.sub.3 H or a salt thereof; n is 2, 3, or 4; m is 2, 3, or 4; and p is 2 or 3. The present compounds are useful as specific sequestering agents for actinide (IV) ions. Also described is a method for the 2,3-dihydroxybenzamidation of azaalkanes.

Abstract: Rupture of boiling water reactor nuclear fuel cladding resulting from embrittlement caused by fission product cadmium is prevented by adding the stoichiometrically equivalent amount of CuFe.sub.2 O.sub.4 or CuTiO.sub.3 to the fuel.

Abstract: Rupture of boiling water reactor nuclear fuel cladding resulting from embrittlement by fission product cadmium is prevented by adding the stoichiometrically equivalent amount of V.sub.2 O.sub.4 or V.sub.2 O.sub.5 to the fuel.

Abstract: Materials and methods are shown for increasing the antioxidant protection of polyolefin insulation, such as low density polyethylene insulation on electrical conductors. The materials may be applied in the field to increase the service life of in-place cable. The material is typically applied by brushing or spraying a lacquer-based carrier containing the inventive stabilizer onto the insulation to be protected. The stabilizer migrates into the polyolefin insulation, typically increasing the service life of antioxidant depleted cable by several years.

Abstract: New high voltage insulating compositions are disclosed. The compositions comprise a polymer (e.g. a polysiloxane, epoxide resin or a polymer of one or more olefins or substituted olefins), an antitracking additive (e.g. an alumina hydrate), and certain phosphorus-containing compounds which have been found to provide the compositions with greatly improved resistance to erosion by high voltage stress. The phosphorus-containing compounds include phosphonates, phosphates, phosphites, phosphinates, phosphonites, phosphinites, phosphine oxides and sulfides, and phosphines, and salts and complexes thereof. The phosphorus-containing compound can react in situ with the polymer or other ingredients of the composition.

Abstract: New high voltage insulating compositions are disclosed. The compositions comprise a polymer (e.g. a polysiloxane, epoxide resin or a polymer of one or more olefins or substituted olefins), an antitracking additive (e.g. an alumina hydrate), and certain phosphorus-containing compounds which have been found to provide the compositions with greatly improved resistance to erosion by high voltage stress. The phosphorus-containing compounds include phosphonates, phosphates, phosphites, phosphinates, phosphonites, phosphinites, phosphine oxides and sulfides, and phosphines, and salts and complexes thereof. The phosphorus-containing compound can react in situ with the polymer or other ingredients of the composition.

Abstract: A voltage stabilized solid polyolefin dielectric composition is disclosed. The dielectric composition comprises a polyolefin containing a voltage stabilizing amount of an additive selected from the class of dyes identified in the Color Index as being of the solvent type possessing either an azo or a quinoid type structure, or having a xanthene structure exhibiting fluorescence. The solvent dyes must be soluble in or melt miscible with the polyolefin. The solvent dyes must also be stable at the processing temperature and under the conditions of use.

Abstract: A dielectric composition devoid of filler and resistant to water treeing comprising ethylene polymer, antioxidant for said polymer, and effective amounts, as a water treeing inhibitor, of at least one organo silane of the following formula: ##STR1## wherein R.sub.1 is hydrogen or C.sub.1 to C.sub.4 alkyl; Y is C.sub.1 to C.sub.8 alkylene or C.sub.6 to C.sub.18 substituted or unsubstituted arylene; R.sub.2 is C.sub.1 to C.sub.8 alkyl, C.sub.1 to C.sub.8 alkoxy, C.sub.6 to C.sub.18 substituted or unsubstituted aryl, C.sub.1 to C.sub.8 acyloxy, C.sub.6 to C.sub.18 substituted or unsubstituted aryloxy; R.sub.3 and R.sub.4 are independently selected from C.sub.1 to C.sub.8 alkoxy, C.sub.1 to C.sub.8 acyloxy or C.sub.6 to C.sub.18 substituted or unsubstituted aryloxy.

Abstract: A compound for sealing electrical instruments comprises a bromo-terminated butadiene polymer, a liquid chlorinated hydrocarbon which functions as a solvent for the polymer, a cross-linking agent and an epoxydized cycloolefin. The sealing compound may also include inert organic filler materials and gaseous substances, the latter imparting a foam consistency and a higher degree of compressability to the compound. The process for sealing the electrical instrument preferably involves a first and second component which are mixed together to form the sealing compound before being introduced into the instrument wherein it hardens at ambient temperature.

Abstract: Chlorendimidosilicon compounds of the formula ##STR1## where R is a monovalent hydrocarbon radical or a substituted monovalent hydrocarbon radical, R' is a divalent hydrocarbon radical or a divalent hydrocarbonoxy radical in which the oxygen is in the form of an ether linkage, R" which may be the same or different is a monovalent hydrocarbon radical or a hydrocarbonoxy radical, x is a number of from 0 to 20,000, y is a number of from 0 to 3, and a process for preparing the same.

Abstract: New high voltage insulating compositions are disclosed. The compositions comprise a polymer (e.g. a polysiloxane, epoxide resin or a polymer of one or more olefins or substituted olefins), an antitracking additive (e.g. an alumina hydrate), and certain organic polymerizable phosphorus-containing compounds which have been found to provide the compositions with greatly improved resistance to erosion by high voltage stress. The phosphorus-containing compounds include phosphonates, phosphates, phosphites, phosphinates, phosphonites, phosphinites, phosphine oxides and sulfides, and phosphines, and salts and complexes thereof. The phosphorus-containing compound can react in situ with the polymer or other ingredients of the composition.

Abstract: Disclosed are furfuryloxy substituted organosilicon compounds having a viscosity of from about 5 to about 500 cs at 25.degree. C. and useful as dielectric fluids. Disclosed also are improved electrical devices such as transformers and capacitors containing such compounds as dielectric fluids.

Abstract: An electrical insulating material having anti-tracking properties has incorporated therein an erosion inhibiting fluorine-substituted compound. The electrical insulating material comprises a polymeric material having an anti-tracking filler and the fluorine-substituted compound is a hydrophobic, non-ionic compound having a fluorine-substituted aliphatic carbon chain linked to a group having an affinity for the polymeric material and/or the anti-tracking filler. The electrical insulating material may be used in high voltage applications where it is necessary to resist erosion and/or control leakage currents.

Abstract: The invention relates to electrical insulators having increased resistance to partial discharges and electrical equipment comprising such electrical insulators.These electrical insulators are formed of a macromolecular material in which is incorporated a chelate which is a derivative of an organic compound of general formula: ##STR1## wherein: R is CH.sub.2 COOM or --OH,M is Na or H,x is an integer from 1 to 4,n is an integer from 0 to 4,the metal chelate being present in the material in an amount sufficient for promoting the extinction of partial discharges, said amount not exceeding a value which would alter the physical properties of the insulator such as the volume resistivity thereof.

Abstract: The ability of high voltage insulating devices, such as electrical transmission line suspension insulators, to resist the development of excessive leakage currents is improved by coating the surface with specific silicone fluids.

Abstract: Gaseous insulators comprise compounds having high attachment cross sections for electrons having energies in the 0-1.3 electron volt range. Multi-component gaseous insulators comprise compounds and mixtures having overall high electron attachment cross sections in the 0-1.3 electron volt range and moderating gases having high cross sections for inelastic interactions with electrons of energies 1-4 electron volts. Suitable electron attachment components include hexafluorobutyne, perfluorobutene-2, perfluorocyclobutane, perfluorodimethylcyclobutane, perfluorocyclohexene, perfluoromethylcyclohexane, hexafluorobutadiene, perfluoroheptene-1 and hexafluoroazomethane. Suitable moderating gases include N.sub.2, CO, CO.sub.2 and H.sub.2. The gaseous insulating mixture can also contain SF.sub.6, perfluoropropane and perfluorobenzene.

Abstract: Disclosed are furfuryloxy substituted organosilicon compounds having a viscosity of from about 5 to about 500 cs at 25.degree. C. and useful as dielectric fluids. Disclosed also are improved electrical devices such as transformers and capacitors containing such compounds as dielectric fluids.

Abstract: Disclosed are benzyloxy substituted organosilicon compounds having a viscosity of from about 5 to about 500 cs at 25.degree. C. and useful as dielectric fluids. Disclosed also are improved electrical devices such as transformers and capacitors containing such compounds as dielectric fluids.

Abstract: Electronegative, normally gaseous, fluorinated compounds with sulfur at valence state 2 act as good dielectric gases alone or in combination with sulfur hexafluoride. In particular bis (trifluoromethyl) sulfide has a higher dielectric strength than sulfur hexafluoride when used alone and increases dielectric strength of sulfur hexafluoride in blends.

Abstract: Functional fluid composition comprising an ester of a phosphorus acid and a compound of the formula Ir(ch.sub.2 x).sub.n (I)in which R represents an aromatic hydrocarbon or heterocyclic containing residue, n is an integer of at least 2, and each X is the same or different and represents a leaving group, which composition may be used for a wide variety of purposes, for example in hydraulic machinery employed in foundries and mines, in hydraulic systems for aircraft, in turbines and as fluids in electrical equipment and in heat transfer devices.

Abstract: The invention relates to a heat-sensitive capacitor comprising a layer of dielectric material inserted between two metal electrodes.According to the invention the dielectric material is made up of molecules of an organic compound comprising at least one aliphatic chain of at least 6 carbon atoms and at lest one heterocyclic group comprising a nitrogen atom, at least some of the molecules being bonded to anions, the organic compound also having a reversible phase transition at a given temperature.The invention also comprises a method of manufacturing such a capacitor whereby the organic compound is deposited on a metal substrate to form a thin layer having a desired thickness, a metal coating being then formed on the deposited layer and the resulting assembly being heat-treated at a temperature above the phase transition temperature of the compound.

Abstract: Silicone compositions having improved spray flammability resistance comprising a major amount of poly(dimethylsiloxane) fluid and a minor amount of a poly(diorganosiloxane) polymer; a process for improving the spray flammability resistance of poly(dimethylsiloxane) fluids; and improved electrical devices the improvement comprising employing as the liquid dielectric composition of such devices said silicone compositions.

Abstract: A capacitor containing a dielectric fluid which is a naphthoxy substituted dimethylsiloxane having a viscosity of less than about 50 centistokes at 25.degree. C. is disclosed.