Patent ID: 6212250
Filing Date: 2001-04-03
Classification: G21C,Y02E,Y10T

Abstract:
A method for providing a leak-tight metal enclosure to a fuel matrix penetrated by coolant channels, wherein the mutually contacting surfaces of said metal enclosure and said fuel matrix are metallurgically bonded, said method comprising the steps of:(a) placing a metal cladding about the lateral surface of said fuel matrix;(b) disposing metal coolant tubes which have been sealed at one end within said coolant channels;(c) placing a first perforated header plate having tubular extensions at that end of the fuel matrix from which the open coolant tube ends protrude, said coolant tubes passing through said first perforated header plate and said tubular extensions and terminating even with the ends of said extensions;(d) placing a second perforated header plate at the other end of said fuel matrix, said sealed coolant tube ends terminating within the perforations substantially even with the outer end thereof;(e) welding, under vacuum, said cladding to said first and second header plates, the open ends of said coolant tubes to the ends of said tubular extensions, and a cover plate over said second header plate;(f) exposing the assembly comprising the fuel matrix and enclosure to a gas at high temperature and pressure; and(g) machining said first and second header plates to provide a finished fuel element.