Good Practices for Qualification of High Density Low Enriched Uranium Research Reactor Fuels

Good Practices for Qualification of High Density Low Enriched Uranium Research Reactor Fuels PDF Author: International Atomic Energy Agency
Publisher:
ISBN: 9789201043092
Category : History
Languages : en
Pages : 73

Book Description
The conversion of research and test reactors from the use of fuel containing highly enriched uranium (HEU) to fuel that employs low-enriched uranium (LEU) has become an important issue in many Member States. The IAEA has supported several projects and activities assisting in the reduction of the use of HEU. However, no comprehensive publication addressing the rationale of qualification of these fuels had yet been available. Developed in order to meet this need, the present publication provides good practices and points of reference for the type, quality and completeness of the information to be generated in order to ensure acceptable performance of high density LEU fuels to be used in research reactors. Furthermore, it elaborates on the development and qualification of high density fuels of the type used in most research and test reactors and assesses the different approaches to the qualification process.

Post-irradiation Examination Techniques for Research Reactor Fuels

Post-irradiation Examination Techniques for Research Reactor Fuels PDF Author: IAEA
Publisher: International Atomic Energy Agency
ISBN: 920102021X
Category : Technology & Engineering
Languages : en
Pages : 149

Book Description
Post-irradiation examination (PIE) is an indispensable step in the selection of new or improved research reactor fuel, and in the characterization and understanding of its in-core behaviour. This publication provides an introduction to PIE techniques. It describes a typical PIE process from intercycle inspections in the reactor pool or channel, to hot cell PIE, which is subdivided into non-destructive and destructive testing techniques with their typical output, advantages and drawbacks, and their applicability to understanding fuel irradiation behaviour. Much of the work presented in this publication originated from the research and development of new low enriched uranium research reactor fuels. Intended readers include research reactor operators, regulators and their technical support organizations, fuel developers and manufacturers, laboratory staff, and policy makers.

Conversion of Research and Test Reactors to Low-enriched Uranium (LEU) Fuel

Conversion of Research and Test Reactors to Low-enriched Uranium (LEU) Fuel PDF Author: United States. Congress. House. Committee on Science and Technology. Subcommittee on Energy Development and Applications
Publisher:
ISBN:
Category : Nuclear engineering
Languages : en
Pages : 2036

Book Description


Conversion from High Enriched Uranium Fuel to Low Enriched Uranium Fuel for the University of Lowell Research Reactor

Conversion from High Enriched Uranium Fuel to Low Enriched Uranium Fuel for the University of Lowell Research Reactor PDF Author: John E. Stoddard
Publisher:
ISBN:
Category : Nuclear fuels
Languages : en
Pages : 320

Book Description


Research Reactor Core Conversion from the Use of Highly Enriched Uranium to the Use of Low Enriched Uranium Fuels

Research Reactor Core Conversion from the Use of Highly Enriched Uranium to the Use of Low Enriched Uranium Fuels PDF Author:
Publisher:
ISBN:
Category :
Languages : en
Pages : 253

Book Description


Research reactor core conversion from the use of highly enriched uranium to the use of low enriched uranium fuels : guidebook addendum : heavy water moderated reactors

Research reactor core conversion from the use of highly enriched uranium to the use of low enriched uranium fuels : guidebook addendum : heavy water moderated reactors PDF Author:
Publisher:
ISBN:
Category :
Languages : en
Pages : 0

Book Description


Assumptions and Criteria for Performing a Feasability Study of the Conversion of the High Flux Isotope Reactor Core to Use Low-Enriched Uranium Fuel

Assumptions and Criteria for Performing a Feasability Study of the Conversion of the High Flux Isotope Reactor Core to Use Low-Enriched Uranium Fuel PDF Author: R. J. Ellis
Publisher:
ISBN:
Category :
Languages : en
Pages :

Book Description
A computational study will be initiated during fiscal year 2006 to examine the feasibility of converting the High Flux Isotope Reactor from highly enriched uranium fuel to low-enriched uranium. The study will be limited to steady-state, nominal operation, reactor physics and thermal-hydraulic analyses of a uranium-molybdenum alloy that would be substituted for the current fuel powder--U{sub 3}O{sub 8} mixed with aluminum. The purposes of this document are to (1) define the scope of studies to be conducted, (2) define the methodologies to be used to conduct the studies, (3) define the assumptions that serve as input to the methodologies, (4) provide an efficient means for communication with the Department of Energy and American research reactor operators, and (5) expedite review and commentary by those parties.

Conversion and Standardization of University Reactor Fuels Using Low-enrichment Uranium

Conversion and Standardization of University Reactor Fuels Using Low-enrichment Uranium PDF Author:
Publisher:
ISBN:
Category :
Languages : en
Pages :

Book Description
The highly-enriched uranium (HEU) fuel used in twenty United States university reactors can be viewed as contributing to the risk of theft or diversion of weapons-useable material. To minimize this risk, the US Nuclear Regulatory Commission issued its final rule on ''Limiting the Use of Highly Enriched Uranium in Domestically Licensed Research and Test Reactors, '' in February 1986. This paper describes the plans and schedules developed by the US Department of Energy to coordinate an orderly transition from HEU to LEU fuel in most of these reactors. An important element in the planning process has been the desire to standardize the LEU fuels used in US university reactors and to enhance the performance and utilization of a number of these reactors. The program is estimated to cost about $10 million and to last about five years.

Enhanced Low-Enriched Uranium Fuel Element for the Advanced Test Reactor

Enhanced Low-Enriched Uranium Fuel Element for the Advanced Test Reactor PDF Author:
Publisher:
ISBN:
Category :
Languages : en
Pages :

Book Description
Under the current US Department of Energy (DOE) policy and planning scenario, the Advanced Test Reactor (ATR) and its associated critical facility (ATRC) will be reconfigured to operate on low-enriched uranium (LEU) fuel. This effort has produced a conceptual design for an Enhanced LEU Fuel (ELF) element. This fuel features monolithic U-10Mo fuel foils and aluminum cladding separated by a thin zirconium barrier. As with previous iterations of the ELF design, radial power peaking is managed using different U-10Mo foil thicknesses in different plates of the element. The lead fuel element design, ELF Mk1A, features only three fuel meat thicknesses, a reduction from the previous iterations meant to simplify manufacturing. Evaluation of the ELF Mk1A fuel design against reactor performance requirements is ongoing, as are investigations of the impact of manufacturing uncertainty on safety margins. The element design has been evaluated in what are expected to be the most demanding design basis accident scenarios and has met all initial thermal-hydraulic criteria.

Conversion and Standardization of University Reactor Fuels Using Low-enrichment Uranium - Options and Costs

Conversion and Standardization of University Reactor Fuels Using Low-enrichment Uranium - Options and Costs PDF Author:
Publisher:
ISBN:
Category :
Languages : en
Pages :

Book Description
The highly-enriched uranium (HEU) fuel used in twenty United States university reactors can be viewed as contributing to the risk of theft or diversion of weapons-useable material. The US Nuclear Regulatory Commission has issued a policy statement expressing its concern and has published a proposed rule on limiting the use of HEU in NRC-licensed non-power reactors. The fuel options, functional impacts, licensing, and scheduling of conversion and standardization of these reactor fuels to use of low-enrichment uranium (LEU) have been assessed. The university reactors span a wide range in form and function, from medium-power intense neutron sources where HEU fuel may be required, to low-power training and research facilities where HEU fuel is unnecessary. Conversion provides an opportunity to standardize university reactor fuels and improve reactor utilization in some cases. The entire program is estimated to cost about $10 million and to last about five years. Planning for conversion and standardization is facilitated by the US Department of Energy. 20 refs., 1 tab.