Tag gas capsule with thermally based release system
A thermally sensitive material in a small tag gas capsule addresses the issues of size and fragility in existing capsules by passively releasing tag gas at reactor temperatures, improving safety and efficiency in nuclear fuel pin leak detection.
WO2025155368A1 Publication Date: 2025-07-24TERRAPOWER LLC
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Patent Information
- Application Number
- PCT/US2024/056264
- Authority / Receiving Office
- WO · WO
- Patent Type
- Applications
- Current Assignee / Owner
- Priority Date
- 2024-01-15
- Filing Date
- 2024-11-15
- Publication Date
- 2025-07-24
AI Technical Summary
Technical Problem
Existing tag gas capsules for nuclear fuel pins are large, require moving parts, and are sensitive to rupture during manufacturing, shipping, handling, and installation, which complicates their use and increases the risk of accidental release.
Method used
A thermally sensitive material seals a flow hole in a small tag gas capsule that melts at reactor operating temperatures, allowing the tag gas to escape passively and reducing the capsule's size and eliminating moving parts.
Benefits of technology
The solution provides a compact, reliable, and efficient leak detection system that minimizes the risk of rupture and reduces the overall fuel assembly length, enhancing safety and operational efficiency.
✦ Generated by Eureka AI based on patent content.
Abstract
A tag gas capsule utilizes a thermally based release system to allow the tag gas to flow through a fuel pin and to be detectable upon a leak in the fuel pin. A tag gas capsule is fabricated that has an escape pathway for the tag gas wherein the escape pathway is sealed by a thermally sensitive material. During fabrication, the thermally sensitive material is melted into the tag gas capsule and seals a flow hole in the tag gas capsule. The capsule is then filled with a tag gas and sealed to prevent escape of the tag gas. Once the capsule has been installed into a fuel pin, the capsule can be heated to melt the thermally sensitive material and expose the flow hole. The tag gas can then flow out of the flow hole and into the fuel pin.
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