Abstracts and Available Papers Presented at the
2002 International RERTR Meeting

THE PROPOSED USE OF LOW ENRICHED URANIUM FUEL IN THE HIGH FLUX AUSTRALIAN REACTOR (HIFAR)

D. Vittorio, G. Durance

Nuclear Technology Division
Australian Nuclear Science and Technology Organisation (ANSTO)
PMB 1 Menai, NSW 2234
Australia

ABSTRACT

The Australian Nuclear Science and Technology Organisation (ANSTO) operates the High Flux Australian Reactor (HIFAR).  HIFAR commenced operation in the late 1950’s with fuel elements containing uranium enriched to 93%.  From that time the level of enrichment has gradually decreased to the current level of 60%.  It is now proposed to further reduce the enrichment of HIFAR fuel to <20% by utilising LEU fuel assemblies manufactured by RISO National Laboratory, that were originally intended for use in the DR-3 reactor.  Minor modifications have been made to the assemblies to adapt them for use in HIFAR.

A detailed design review has been performed and initial safety analysis and reactor physics calculations are to be submitted to ARPANSA as part of a four-stage approval process.

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