Zamak stabilization of spent sodium-cooled reactor fuel assemblies

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United States of America Patent

PATENT NO 11837374
APP PUB NO 20220336118A1
SERIAL NO

17230182

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ATTORNEY / AGENT: (SPONSORED)

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Abstract

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Methods and systems for stabilizing spent fuel assemblies from sodium-cooled nuclear reactors using Zamak are described herein. It has been determined that there is a synergism between Zamak and sodium that allows Zamak to form thermally-conductive interface with the sodium-wetted surfaces of the fuel assemblies. In the method, one or more spent fuel assemblies are removed from the sodium coolant pool and placed in a protective sheath. The remaining volume of the sheath is then filled with liquid Zamak. To a certain extent Zamak will dissolve and alloy with sodium remaining on the fuel assemblies. Excess sodium that remains undissolved is displaced from the sheath by the Zamak fill. The Zamak is then cooled until solid and the sheath sealed. The resulting Zamak-stabilized spent fuel assembly is calculated to have sufficient internal thermal conductivity to allow it to be stored and transported without the need for liquid cooling.

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Patent Owner(s)

Patent OwnerAddress
TERRAPOWER LLC15800 NORTHUP WAY BELLEVUE WA 98008

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Inventor(s)

Inventor Name Address # of filed Patents Total Citations
Corbin, Robert A North Bend, US 12 78
Hejzlar, Pavel Kirkland, US 25 81
Truax, John E Bellevue, US 5 10
Werner, Mark R Bellevue, US 10 80

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