Patents Assigned to Advanced Nuclear Fuels Corp.
  • Method for preventing and repairing vibrational damage to nuclear fuel rods
    Patent number: 4942015
    Abstract: The fuel rods located in areas of a nuclear reactor core where water jetting damage to the rods can occur are secured together by a clip, in order to change the mass subject to fretting damage. The change of mass changes the amplitude of the induced fuel rod vibration, thus reducing possible fuel rod fretting and/or damage. To repair such damage, the combination of clip(s) and an inert rod are used to replace a damaged fuel rod.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 5, 1989
    Date of Patent: July 17, 1990
    Assignee: Advanced Nuclear Fuels, Corp.
    Inventors: Gary J. Busselman, Adolfo Reparaz
  • Debris-resistant fuel assembly
    Patent number: 4849161
    Abstract: A fuel assembly for nuclear reactors which comprises the usual upper and lower tie plates and fuel rods extending between them is made debris-resistant by providing a grid spacer in contact, or very nearly so, with the lower tie plate and so positioned as to subdivide the usual openings in the lower tie plate which are provided for the passage of cooling water. This causes debris to be trapped in the openings of the lower tie plate, and keeps it from contacting the fueled portion of the assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 24, 1987
    Date of Patent: July 18, 1989
    Assignee: Advanced Nuclear Fuels Corp.
    Inventors: Charles A. Brown, Rolf Holzer, John F. Patterson