Method for manufacturing a nuclear fuel rod cladding and corresponding nuclear fuel rod cladding

EP4655797A1Pending Publication Date: 2025-12-03FRAMATOME SA
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Patent Information

Application Number
EP2024701960
Authority / Receiving Office
EP · EP
Patent Type
Applications
Current Assignee / Owner
Priority Date
2023-01-27
Filing Date
2024-01-26
Publication Date
2025-12-03

AI Technical Summary

Technical Problem

Zirconium-based nuclear fuel rod claddings face rapid degradation and hydrogen release during severe accident conditions, such as Loss Of Coolant Accidents, due to high temperatures, leading to potential bursting and nuclear fuel release, and existing protective coating deposition methods are slow and not suitable for industrial-scale application.

Method used

A method involving simultaneous implementation of multiple physical vapor deposition techniques by cathode sputtering, using a common or dedicated cathode with synchronized excitation signals, to rapidly deposit a chromium-based protective coating on zirconium-based substrates, enhancing resistance and adhesion.

Benefits of technology

This method enables rapid deposition of a protective coating with improved resistance and adhesion, suitable for industrial-scale production, effectively enhancing the cladding's tolerance to both normal and accident conditions, thereby preventing fuel release and maintaining structural integrity.

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Abstract

The manufacturing method is intended for the manufacture of a nuclear fuel rod cladding (4) comprising a substrate (14) covered with a protective coating (16). The manufacturing method comprises providing the substrate (14) and applying the protective coating (16) to the substrate (14) by physical vapour deposition by sputtering, simultaneously employing two or more mutually different techniques of physical vapour deposition by sputtering.
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