METHOD TO MANUFACTURE GAS-FILLED FUEL ELEMENT Russian patent published in 2014 - IPC G21C21/02 

FIELD: power engineering.

SUBSTANCE: method of fuel element manufacturing includes making a "prefabricated pipe" by tight connection of a shell with one of end plugs and formation of a fuel core by installation of fuel pellets into the "prefabricated pipe". Prior to installation of fuel pellets the "prefabricated pipe" is first vacuumised and filled with heavy inert gas, for instance, argon, and subsequent installation of pellets is carried out with the help of a jet of the specified heavy inert gas sent under excessive pressure. Then repeated vacuumisation is carried out, filling of the internal volume with helium and final sealing of the fuel element with the help of the second end plug. When the "prefabricated pipe" is filled with heavy inert gas and during installation of fuel pellets, it is installed vertically, with an open end upwards.

EFFECT: removal of dusty particles of fuel in the process of fuel element manufacturing in a gap between pellets and a shell and provision of contactless action at fuel pellets, improved composition of atmosphere under a shell, increased resource and reliability of fuel elements operation.

10 cl, 10 dwg