公开(公告)号：US5301211A

公开(公告)日：1994-04-05

申请号：US924732

申请日：1992-08-03

Applicant: William J. Bryan ,  Patrick A. Perrotti

Inventor： William J. Bryan ,  Patrick A. Perrotti

IPC: C23C14/04 ,  C23C14/35 ,  G21C19/00 ,  H01J37/34

CPC classification number: H01J37/342 ,  C23C14/046 ,  C23C14/35 ,  G21C19/00 ,  H01J37/3402 ,  G21Y2002/103 ,  G21Y2002/303 ,  G21Y2002/304 ,  G21Y2002/401 ,  G21Y2004/30 ,  G21Y2004/40

Abstract: A method for sputter coating the inside surface (30) of a fuel assembly tubular component (10) such as a control rod guide tube (200) with wear or corrosion resistant material. The steps include supporting the component tube in a fixture (12,14) and supporting a source tube (100,300) of e.g., wear resistant material, coaxially within the component tube, thereby defining a cylindrical annulus (24) between the tubes. The annular space is evacuated and backfilled with an inert working gas (26) such as argon, to a pressure sufficient to sustain a plasma discharge. The component tube is positively biased (36) as an anode, and the source tube is negatively biased (34) as a cathode, such that a plasma of the working gas is established in the annular space. A circumferential magnetic field is generated around the source tube to confine and shape the plasma whereby the source tube is bombarded with ions from the plasma substantially uniformly over the length of the source tube. Wear resistant material is thereby sputtered substantially uniformly from the source tube onto the inside surface of the component tube, to form a coating thereon.

Abstract translation: 一种用耐磨或耐腐蚀材料溅射涂覆燃料组件管状部件（10）的内表面（30）的方法，例如控制棒导向管（200）。 这些步骤包括将部件管支撑在固定装置（12,14）中，并且在部件管内同轴地支撑例如耐磨材料的源管（100,300），从而在管之间限定圆柱形环（24）。 环形空间被抽空并用惰性工作气体（26）如氩气回填到足以维持等离子体放电的压力。 组件管作为阳极被正偏置（36），并且源管被负偏压（34）作为阴极，使得在环形空间中建立工作气体的等离子体。 在源管周围产生周向磁场以限制和形成等离子体，由此源管在来自源管的长度上基本上均匀地从等离子排出。 因此，耐磨材料从源管基本均匀地溅射到组件管的内表面上，以在其上形成涂层。

公开(公告)号：US5272735A

公开(公告)日：1993-12-21

申请号：US924731

申请日：1992-08-03

Applicant: William J. Bryan ,  Patrick A. Perrotti

Inventor： William J. Bryan ,  Patrick A. Perrotti

IPC: C23C14/04 ,  C23C14/35 ,  G21C3/20 ,  H01J37/34 ,  G21C21/00

CPC classification number: C23C14/35 ,  C23C14/046 ,  G21C3/20 ,  H01J37/3402 ,  G21Y2002/201 ,  G21Y2002/302 ,  G21Y2004/30 ,  G21Y2004/40 ,  H01J2237/162 ,  Y02E30/40

Abstract: A method for sputtering coating the inside surface of a fuel assembly tubular component (10,200,400,700) with absorber material such as a burnable poison or getter. The steps include supporting the e.g., cladding tube (10) in a fixture (12,14) and supporting a source tube (100) of e.g., burnable poison material coaxially within the cladding tube, thereby defining a cylindrical annulus (24) between the tubes. The annular space is evacuated and backfilled with an inert working gas (26) such as argon, to a pressure sufficient to sustain a plasma discharge. The cladding tube is positively biased (36) as an anode, and the source tube is negatively biased (34) as a cathode, such that a plasma of the working gas is established in the annular space. A circumferential magnetic field is generated around the source tube to confine and shape the plasma whereby the source tube is bombarded with ions from the plasma substantially uniformly over the length of the source tube. Burnable poison material is thereby sputtered substantially uniformly from the source tube onto the inside surface of the cladding tube, to form a burnable poison coating thereon.

Abstract translation: 一种用吸收材料（例如可燃毒物或吸气剂）溅射涂覆燃料组件管状部件（10,200,400,700）的内表面的方法。 这些步骤包括将例如包覆管（10）支撑在固定装置（12,14）中并且在包壳管内同轴地支撑例如可燃烧的毒物的源管（100），由此限定在包壳管（12,14）之间的圆柱形环（24） 管。 环形空间被抽空并用惰性工作气体（26）如氩气回填到足以维持等离子体放电的压力。 包层管作为阳极被正偏置（36），并且源管被负偏压（34）作为阴极，使得工作气体的等离子体在环形空间中建立。 在源管周围产生周向磁场以限制和形成等离子体，由此源管在来自源管的长度上基本上均匀地从等离子排出。 因此，可燃性毒物从源管大体上均匀地溅射到包层管的内表面上，在其上形成可燃的毒物涂层。

公开(公告)号：US4879090A

公开(公告)日：1989-11-07

申请号：US88439

申请日：1987-08-24

Applicant: Patrick A. Perrotti ,  Paul F. Joffre ,  Zeses E. Karoutas ,  Lawrence V. Corsetti ,  William J. Bryan ,  Stephen C. Hatfield

Inventor： Patrick A. Perrotti ,  Paul F. Joffre ,  Zeses E. Karoutas ,  Lawrence V. Corsetti ,  William J. Bryan ,  Stephen C. Hatfield

IPC: G21C3/34 ,  G21C3/322 ,  G21C3/356

CPC classification number: G21C3/322 ,  G21C3/3563 ,  G21Y2002/201 ,  G21Y2002/303 ,  G21Y2004/30 ,  G21Y2004/302 ,  Y02E30/38

Abstract: Integral vanes 4 with optimized size, shape and bend angles maximize coolant mixing and fuel rod 12 heat transfer downstream. Recessed weld nuggets 5 with no vane cutout are optimized for size, strength and corrosion resistance. Staggered arches 20',22' and springs 20,22 minimize turbulence and reduce grid pressure drop and promote coolant mixing. Crowned arches 20',22' and springs 20,22 decrease scoring of fuel rods 12 and are sized to minimize turbulence and pressure drop. Minimum cutouts in unslotted section of grid strip 46,46' give 15-20% strength increase. Intermediate weld and tapered end slots 48 give 15% strength increase. Ribbed and round dimple stiffeners 38,39 on outer strips increase buckling resistance, reduce handling damage and spreads accidental loading. Outer strips 32 are optimized for strength, handling, turbulence generation and pressure drop. They also divert enough flow to interior of fuel assembly to match thermal power distribution and eliminate fuel rod corrosion concerns.

公开(公告)号：US5179261A

公开(公告)日：1993-01-12

申请号：US761286

申请日：1991-09-17

Applicant: Patrick A. Perrotti

Inventor： Patrick A. Perrotti

IPC: B23K26/067

CPC classification number: B23K26/0608 ,  B23K26/067

Abstract: The laser beam welding of a spacer grid assembly is accomplished by dividing a laser beam (21) into at least two beam segments (37). These beam segments (37) are then routed around the mixing vanes (31) and focused below the vanes (31). The focus and coincidence (34) of the beam segments (37) may be moved down along the intersection to provide an elongated smaller diameter weld. The spacer grid assembly of the present invention has an improved Departure from Nucleate Boiling performance, increased strength against buckling, and a reduced detrimental effect on the coolant flow.

Abstract translation: 通过将激光束（21）分成至少两个光束段（37）来实现间隔栅格组件的激光束焊接。 然后，这些梁段（37）围绕混合叶片（31）布置并聚焦在叶片（31）的下方。 梁段（37）的焦点和重合（34）可以沿着交叉点向下移动以提供细长的较小直径的焊缝。 本发明的间隔栅格组件具有改进的离开核沸腾性能，增加抗压缩强度和降低对冷却剂流动的不利影响。

公开(公告)号：US5110539A

公开(公告)日：1992-05-05

申请号：US624338

申请日：1990-12-07

Applicant: Patrick A. Perrotti ,  Zeses E. Karoutas

Inventor： Patrick A. Perrotti ,  Zeses E. Karoutas

IPC: G21C3/34

CPC classification number: G21C3/3424 ,  G21Y2002/201 ,  G21Y2002/302 ,  G21Y2004/30 ,  Y02E30/40

Abstract: A method and apparatus for assembling an egg-crate type grid (10) by orthogonally interengaging slots (30,32) cut transversely into one longitudinal edge of each of a plurality of metal strips (12,14). A first plurality of strips (14) is supported on their lower unslotted edges in north-south orientation so that the strips are uniformly spaced apart in parallel in the east-west direction with all the slots (32) oriented upwardly on the upper edge. The slotted upper edges (26) of adjacent north-south strips are then spread farther apart in the east west direction while maintaining the lower edges (28) at said uniform spacing. The lower, slotted edges (24) of a second plurality of east-west oriented strips are interengaged with the north-south strips while the selected portions of the upper edges of the north-south strips are spread. The upper edges of the first plurality of strips are then returned to the unspread orientation.

Abstract translation: 用于通过横向切割成多个金属条（12,14）中的每一个的一个纵向边缘的正交互相接合的槽（30,32）来组装蛋箱型格栅（10）的方法和装置。 第一多个条带（14）以南北取向支撑在它们的下部未边缘边缘上，使得条带在东西方向上平行地均匀间隔开，而所有狭槽（32）在上边缘上向上取向。 然后相邻的南北条带的开槽的上边缘（26）在东西方向上分开更远，同时保持下边缘（28）处于所述均匀间隔。 第二多个东西取向带的下开槽边缘（24）与南北条相互接合，而南北条的上边缘的选定部分被扩展。 然后将第一多个条带的上边缘返回到未展开的取向。

公开(公告)号：US06819733B2

公开(公告)日：2004-11-16

申请号：US10147215

申请日：2002-05-15

Applicant: Richard P. Broders ,  Stephen C. Hatfield ,  Michael L. Martin ,  Paul F. Joffre ,  Zeses E. Karoutas ,  Patrick A. Perrotti

Inventor： Richard P. Broders ,  Stephen C. Hatfield ,  Michael L. Martin ,  Paul F. Joffre ,  Zeses E. Karoutas ,  Patrick A. Perrotti

IPC: G21C334

CPC classification number: G21C3/356 ,  G21Y2002/20 ,  G21Y2002/30 ,  G21Y2004/30 ,  Y02E30/40

Abstract: An improved grid for use in a fuel assembly of a nuclear reactor includes a plurality of straps that are interconnected with one another in a lattice fashion to define a plurality of cells, with the straps being configured to include a plurality of relatively more compliant springs and a plurality of relatively less compliant dimples, whereby each cell includes only one pair of springs and one pair of dimples disposed therein. The springs and dimples are contoured to engage a fuel rod or a thimble tube disposed within the cell. Each spring directly confronts one of the dimples to provide confronting pairs of features that engage the fuel rods or thimble tubes, with each cell including two pairs of confronting features. The ligaments of the springs and dimples extend in a direction generally perpendicular to the direction of coolant flow through the reactor in order to minimize pressure drop.

Abstract translation: 用于核反应堆的燃料组件中的改进的格栅包括多个彼此以格子形式彼此互连以限定多个单元的带，其中带被配置为包括多个相对更柔顺的弹簧， 多个相对较小的顺应性凹坑，由此每个单元仅包括一对弹簧和一对布置在其中的凹坑。 弹簧和凹坑的轮廓是与设置在电池内的燃料棒或套管接合。 每个弹簧直接面对一个凹坑，以提供接合燃料棒或套管的面对的特征对，每个单元包括两对相对的特征。 弹簧和凹坑的韧带在大致垂直于冷却剂流过反应器的方向的方向上延伸，以便最小化压降。

公开(公告)号：US5350161A

公开(公告)日：1994-09-27

申请号：US973609

申请日：1992-11-06

Applicant: Patrick A. Perrotti

Inventor： Patrick A. Perrotti

IPC: G21C3/356 ,  G21C3/34

CPC classification number: G21C3/3563 ,  G21Y2002/104 ,  G21Y2002/201 ,  G21Y2002/206 ,  G21Y2004/202 ,  G21Y2004/30 ,  Y02E30/40

Abstract: A metal component (10) having non-uniform material characteristics which cause the component to undergo differential growth upon exposure to a neutron flux, and a process for producing such a component. The invention is useful for making metal components for use in nuclear reactors, particularly fuel assembly cantilever grid springs (12). By cold working a portion (40) of a cantilever spring on the convex side of the curved region of the spring, a spring can be provided which has a smaller reduction in preload upon exposure to radiation than a conventional cantilever spring.

Abstract translation: 具有不均匀的材料特性的金属组分（10），以及使该组分在暴露于中子通量时经历不同的生长，以及制造这种组分的方法。 本发明可用于制造用于核反应堆，特别是燃料组件悬臂网格弹簧（12）的金属部件。 通过将弹簧的弯曲区域的凸侧上的悬臂弹簧的一部分（40）进行冷加工，可以提供弹簧，弹簧在暴露于辐射时比常规悬臂弹簧具有更小的预载荷减小。

公开(公告)号：US5265140A

公开(公告)日：1993-11-23

申请号：US905784

申请日：1992-06-29

Applicant: Patrick A. Perrotti

Inventor： Patrick A. Perrotti

IPC: G21C3/322 ,  G21C3/34

CPC classification number: G21C3/322 ,  G21C3/34 ,  G21Y2002/201 ,  G21Y2004/302 ,  Y02E30/38

Abstract: A nuclear fuel assembly grid (1) has a plurality of flat strips (10,12) that are orthogonally interlaced along vertical slots (38,60) through their upper or lower edges and welded together to form an egg crate-like array of four-walled cells (14) for receiving respective fuel rods (16), each cell including springs (20,30) and arches (32,34) projecting from the walls for contacting and supporting a respective fuel rod in the interior of the cell. At least some of the cells having flow deflection vanes (36,56) projecting integrally from a cell wall into the interior of the cell without contacting the fuel rod. Preferably, the vane is bent along a bend line (52) that is parallel to the upper edge (24) of the strip, into the interior of the cell, thereby forming an angle of between about 15 degrees and 30 degrees relative to the plane defined by the body, or plate portion of the strip.

Abstract translation: 核燃料组件网格（1）具有多个平坦条带（10,12），其通过其上部或下部边缘沿垂直狭槽（38,60）正交地交织并焊接在一起以形成四个蛋壳状阵列 用于接收相应的燃料棒（16）的每个单元包括弹簧（20,30）和拱形件（32,34），用于接触和支撑单元内部的相应的燃料棒。 至少一些具有流动偏转叶片（36,56）的细胞从细胞壁一体地突出到细胞的内部而不与燃料棒接触。 优选地，叶片沿着平行于条带的上边缘（24）的弯曲线（52）弯曲到单元的内部，从而形成相对于平面在约15度和30度之间的角度 由本体或条带的板部分限定。