Patent ID: 6512806
Filing Date: 2003-01-28
Classification: G21C,Y02E

Abstract:
A method of producing a coating resistant to hydration on at least one surface of a cladding tube for nuclear fuel for use for use in a light water reactor, the cladding tube comprising a liner layer on an inside of the tube, the liner layer comprising zirconium or a zirconium alloy, the method comprising:forming a coating at least on a surface of the liner layer that faces an inner space of the cladding tube by subjecting the cladding tube to a treatment with a gas mixture while heating the cladding tube, the treatment being performed at a temperature of about 450Â° C. to about 650Â° C. and substantially at atmospheric pressure, the gas mixture comprising water steam and both oxygen gas and nitrogen gas, wherein the coating is formed such that it has a thickness of at least one &mgr;m, such that the coating at least forms an innermost surface facing the inner space of the cladding tube.