Sic coated boron fuel burnable absorbers
SiC-coated boron particles in nuclear fuel pellets address parasitic neutron absorption and reactivity loss by containing helium gas, enhancing the longevity and stability of neutron absorption in nuclear reactors.
WO2025193327A1 Publication Date: 2025-09-18WESTINGHOUSE ELECTRIC CORP
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Patent Information
- Application Number
- PCT/US2025/011732
- Authority / Receiving Office
- WO · WO
- Patent Type
- Applications
- Current Assignee / Owner
- Priority Date
- 2024-03-15
- Filing Date
- 2025-01-15
- Publication Date
- 2025-09-18
AI Technical Summary
Technical Problem
Current integral fuel burnable absorbers in nuclear reactors face issues such as parasitic neutron absorption leading to reactivity loss and operational complexity, while alternative absorbers may be rapidly depleted or exacerbate safety concerns.
Method used
The use of SiC-coated boron particles dispersed within fissile fuel, where boron-10 based neutron absorbing material is encapsulated by a silicon carbide outer layer, providing a miniature vessel to contain helium gas and maintain neutron reactivity over extended periods.
Benefits of technology
This configuration extends the effectiveness of boron absorbers, reducing parasitic losses and operational complexity, while maintaining stable reactor performance and safety.
✦ Generated by Eureka AI based on patent content.
Abstract
A fuel element (100) for a nuclear reactor, the fuel element comprising non-fissile particles (110) dispersed throughout fissile fuel (120), the non-fissile particles comprising a core comprising neutron absorbing material, wherein the neutron absorbing material is positioned at an innermost radial portion of the core, wherein the core is configured to remain stable at a temperature no less than 1000 °C; and an outer layer surrounding the core, the outer layer comprising silicon carbide.
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