Fast Reactors and Accelerator Driven Systems Knowledge Base

Conference Article: Fabrication processes and characterization of LMFBR carbide and nitride fuels and fuel pins

Richter, K.; Blank, H. (Commission of the European Communities, Karlsruhe (Germany, F.R.). European Inst. for Transuranium Elements)

Abstract

Fabrication processes for mixed uranium-plutonium carbide and nitride fuels based on carbothermic reduction of oxides, both with subsequent comminution of the reaction product, pressing and sintering, as well as direct pressing of the reacted pellets, are described. The influence of fabrication parameters on fuel composition and properties are given. Results of fuel characterisation by chemical, XRD and ceramographic analysis are discussed with respect to quality control and fuel specification. The data of the He-bonded uranium-plutonium carbide and nitride fuel pins irradiated in the KNKII reactor Karlsruhe, the HFR Petten, and the Phenix reactor at Marcoule, are summarised.

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key words: chemical preparation; fabrication; fuel pellets; fuel pins; lmfbr type reactors; mixed carbide fuels; performance testing; plutonium nitrides; post-irradiation examination; uranium nitrides
Reference:
Technical committee meeting on advanced fuel for fast breeder reactors: Fabrication and properties and their optimization. Vienna (Austria). 3-5 Nov 1987
International Atomic Energy Agency, Vienna (Austria)
IAEA-TECDOC--466, pp:58-67