Corrosion Minimization for Research Reactor Fuel

Shaber, Eric ; Hofman, Gerard

Idaho National Laboratory

关键词: Corrosion;    Aluminium;    Reactor Operators;    11 - Nuclear Fuel Cycle And Fuel Materials;    Hydroxides;   

DOI  :  10.2172/910994
RP-ID  :  INL/EXT-05-00256
RP-ID  :  DE-AC07-99ID-13727
RP-ID  :  910994

美国|英语

来源: UNT Digital Library

【 摘 要 】

Existing university research reactors are being converted to use low-enriched uranium fue to eliminate the use of highly-enriched uranium. These conversions require increases in fuel loading that will result in the use of elements with more fuel plates, resulting in a net decrease in the water annulus between fuel plates. The proposed decrease in the water annulus raises questions about the requirements and stability of the surface hydroxide on the aluminum fuel cladding and the potential for runaway corrosion resulting in fuel over-temperature incidents. The Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC), as regulator for these university reactors, must ensure that proposed fuel modifications will not result in any increased risk or hazard to the reactor operators or the public. This document reviews the characteristics and behavior of aluminum hydroxides, analyzes the drivers for fuel plate corrosion, reviews relevant historical incidents, and provides recommendations on fuel design, surface treatment, and reactor operational practices to avoid corrosion issues.