METHOD FOR PROTECTING REACTOR INTERNAL PARTS AGAINST DESTRUCTION Russian patent published in 2002 - IPC

FIELD: nuclear power engineering; pressurized-tube and tank reactors. SUBSTANCE: proposed method is used for protecting reactor core components against destruction by suppressing debris-effect, fretting, and local corrosion in fuel elements, fuel assemblies, and process channels. To this end surface of fuel element, fuel assembly, or process channel is fully or partially covered with material whose microhardness is higher than that of reactor-loop structural materials and their oxides. Surface is covered with diamond-like coating, In addition surface is coated with carbides, nitrides, or borides of metals. Surface may be also covered with diamond-like coating jointly with carbides, nitrides, and borides of metals in various combinations. EFFECT: enhanced reliability of protective coatings. 4 cl