METHOD AND DEVICE FOR PRODUCING PELLETIZED NUCLEAR FUEL Russian patent published in 2001 - IPC

FIELD: fuel elements of nuclear reactors. SUBSTANCE: source powders of uranium dioxide, uranium oxide, and zinc stearate having graded individual properties are subjected prior to compression to at least three-stage mixing; proportion of components to be mixed up is found from formulas given in description of invention; three point samples are taken from mixture obtained and analyzed for carbon content; briquettes are made of molding powder; procedures of milling, pelletizing, and vibratory screening of granules are effected by single unit. Granules are mixed up in at least three stages and after that three point samples are taken again and analyzed for carbon content. Device implementing proposed method has integrated unit incorporating housing in the form of annular reservoir placed on vibration mounts whose annular space accommodates at least three milling devices equally spaced apart and made in the form of mechanical slabs with knurled lower surfaces hinged on one side which are engageable with metal slabs placed under each of them; remaining annular space located at same elevation is covered with removable screens. EFFECT: improved yield; enhanced compactness and height of sintered pellets, reduced labor consumption. 10 cl, 2 dwg