Abstracts and Available Papers Presented at the
1998 International RERTR Meeting
FUEL PLATE FABRICATION
USING ATOMIZED U3Si2
Written by: Brett W. Pace,
BWX Technologies Inc.
ABSTRACT
BWX Technologies Inc. (BWXT) is dedicated to attaining the most efficient and productive processes possible for the production of research fuel elements. With the ability to maintain high yields in homogeneity for high loaded (4.8 gU/cc) fuel plates, BWXT strives to lower costs on all types of fuels. To prepare for the next generation of fuels for research reactors, BWXT has entered into development to evaluate the fabrication potential of Low Enriched Atomized U3Si2 fuel powder. Atomization may be the optimum powder form for high density fuels. The basis for acceptance Of this type of fuel for the purposes of this development is the homogeneity Of the fuel and the core characteristics during fabrication. The development consisted of three phases. The first phase was a separate benchmark study and production of three mini plates with Uranium loading of 4.8 gU/cc for in reactor testing. Afterwards, two phases of full size plate fabrication were completed for production studies using two separate loadings of 4.8 gU/cc and 5.5 gU/cc. Results at completion of the first full size plate fabrication have shown that the fuel performs satisfactorily using normal fabrication practices. Complete results from 5.5 gU/cc plates are not presently available. BWXT projects that atomized fuel will be a viable alternative form Of U3Si2 for research reactor fuel with reference to ease and efficiency of manufacturing.
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Contact:
Brett W. Pace
BWX Technologies Incorporated
P.O Box 785, MT. Athos RD
Lynchburg Virginia 24501
USA
Phone: 1-804-522-6866
Fax: 1-804-522-6992
Email: [email protected]