Patent ID: 6697448
Filing Date: 2004-02-24
Classification: G21C,Y02E,Y10T

Abstract:
A method of fabricating a neutronic fuel element comprising an elongated fuel matrix penetrated longitudinally by a multiplicity of metal coolant tubes, wherein said fuel matrix is metallurgically bonded to said metal coolant tubes, said method comprising the steps of:(a) providing oversize coolant channels through said fuel matrix; (b) disposing oversize metal coolant tubes within said coolant channels, each of said tubes having an outside diameter substantially equal to the diameter of said oversize coolant channels, and an oversize inside diameter; (c) placing cylindrical pins within the bores of said coolant tubes, said pins having diameters substantially equal to the final desired inside diameter of said coolant tubes; (d) applying pressure transversely to said fuel matrix at high temperature to establish a metallurgical bond between said fuel matrix and said coolant tubes and to squeeze said coolant tubes onto said pins; and (e) selectively leaching said pins from said coolant tubes.