Patent ID: 6058155
Filing Date: 2000-05-02
Classification: B32B,C22C,G21C,Y02E

Abstract:
A corrosion resistant nuclear fuel element for a pressurized water nuclear reactor comprising:an elongated hollow metallic tubular cladding for containing a nuclear fuel, the tubular cladding comprising an outer tubular layer having an outer wall and an inner wall and an inner portion disposed between the outer wall and the inner wall, the outer tubular layer formed from metal selected from the group consisting of zirconium and a zirconium alloy having integrally incorporated a predetermined concentration of oxygen, said predetermined concentration of oxygen being a decreasing oxygen concentration gradient from the outer wall extending into the inner portion, so that when subject to corrosion zirconium hydrides preferentially precipitate in the inner portion and are inhibited from forming on the outer wall;a body of nuclear fuel material disposed in the tubular cladding; andsealing means at both ends of the tubular cladding.