Harry Lee Batson

US Patent:

59582677, Sep 28, 1999

Filed:

Jul 21, 1997

Appl. No.:

8/897142

Inventors:

Andrew A. Lingenfelter - Wilmington NC
James M. Gehr - Wilmington NC
Johnny R. Skipper - Leland NC
Robert J. Sziemkiewicz - Wilmington NC
Jeffrey P. Johnson - Castle Hayne NC
Robert A. Haughton - Wilmington NC
Harry L. Batson - Winnabow NC
Jaime A. Zuloaga - Wilmington NC
Michael T. Kiernan - Wilmington NC
John L. Harmon - Wilmington NC
Edward G. Apple - Wilmington NC

Assignee:

General Electric Company - Schenectady NY

International Classification:

B23K 2612

US Classification:

21912163

Abstract:

A high pressure laser welding method and apparatus enables seam welding of a nuclear fuel rod at hyperbaric pressure. In an automatic process, a loaded fuel rod and an upper end plug are mated within a sealable weld box. A pressure within the weld box is controlled relative to a pressure within the fuel rod, and a laser assembly welds the seam at hyperbaric pressure. Helium flowing through a laser window nozzle during welding prevents soot contamination of the laser window glass and prevents formation of ionic plasma. The upper end plug fuel rod welding operation is thus reduced to a single step and eliminates inspection related tasks with respect to a sealed hole.