Post-irradiation Examination Techniques for Research Reactor Fuels
Post-irradiation Examination Techniques for Research Reactor Fuels

Author: IAEA

Publisher: International Atomic Energy Agency

Published: 2023-04-18

Total Pages: 149

ISBN-13: 920102021X

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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.

Post-Irradiation Examination Techniques for Research Reactor Fuels
Post-Irradiation Examination Techniques for Research Reactor Fuels

Author: International Atomic Energy Agency

Publisher:

Published: 2023-07-31

Total Pages: 0

ISBN-13: 9789201018212

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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.

Applications of Research Reactors
Applications of Research Reactors

Author: International Atomic Energy Agency

Publisher: International Atomic Energy Agency

Published: 2014

Total Pages: 108

ISBN-13: 9789201450104

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This publication is a comprehensive study that reviews the current situation in a great number of applications of research reactors. It revises the contents of IAEA TECDOC-1234, The Applications of Research Reactors, giving detailed updates on each field of research reactor uses worldwide. Reactors of all sizes and capabilities can benefit from the sharing of current practices and research enabled via this updated version, which describes the requirements for practicing methods as diverse as neutron activation analysis, education and training, neutron scattering and neutron imaging, silicon doping and radioisotope production, material/fuel irradiation and testing, and some others. Many underutilised research reactors can learn how to diversify their technical capabilities, staff and potential commercial partners and users seeking research reactor services and products. The content of the publication has also been strengthened in terms of current issues facing the vast majority of research reactors by including sections describing user and customer relations as well as strategic planning considerations.

Nuclear Fuel Elements
Nuclear Fuel Elements

Author: Brian R. T. Frost

Publisher: Elsevier

Published: 2013-10-22

Total Pages: 284

ISBN-13: 1483155250

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Nuclear Fuel Elements: Design, Fabrication and Performance is concerned with the design, fabrication, and performance of nuclear fuel elements, with emphasis on fast reactor fuel elements. Topics range from fuel types and the irradiation behavior of fuels to cladding and duct materials, fuel element design and modeling, fuel element performance testing and qualification, and the performance of water reactor fuels. Fast reactor fuel elements, research and test reactor fuel elements, and unconventional fuel elements are also covered. This volume consists of 12 chapters and begins with an overview of nuclear reactors and fuel elements, as well as fuel element design and development based on the reactor operator's approach, materials scientist's approach, and interdisciplinary approach. The reader is then introduced to different types of nuclear fuels and their irradiation behavior, considerations for using cladding and duct materials in fuel element design and development, and fuel element design and modeling. The chapters that follow focus on the testing of fuel element performance, experimental techniques and equipment for testing fuel element designs, and the performance of fuels for water reactors. Fuel elements for gas-cooled reactors, fast reactors, and research and test reactors are also described. The book concludes with an assessment of unconventional fuel elements. This book will be useful to fuel element technologists as well as materials scientists and engineers.

Light Water Reactor Fuel Enrichment Beyond the Five Per Cent Limit: Perspectives and Challenges
Light Water Reactor Fuel Enrichment Beyond the Five Per Cent Limit: Perspectives and Challenges

Author: International Atomic Energy Agency

Publisher:

Published: 2020-10-12

Total Pages: 56

ISBN-13: 9789201109200

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The limitation of 235U enrichment is a current concern among IAEA Member States. In response, work has been undertaken to provide a platform to facilitate a comprehensive review of the current status, prospects and challenges associated with the use of fuels having enrichments higher than 5 % 235U in light water reactors. This publication is the outcome of two technical meetings and compiles the results and conclusions in terms of benefits to be obtained from the use of high assay low enriched uranium (HALEU) fuel, with due consideration of safety issues that arise from its use. It details technological options and corresponding issues regarding fuel and core design, safety analysis and assessments relevant to manufacturing, handling, transportation, storage, irradiation, and performance in normal and accident conditions.

Reducing the Use of Highly Enriched Uranium in Civilian Research Reactors
Reducing the Use of Highly Enriched Uranium in Civilian Research Reactors

Author: National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine

Publisher: National Academies Press

Published: 2016-02-12

Total Pages: 205

ISBN-13: 0309379210

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The continued presence of highly enriched uranium (HEU) in civilian installations such as research reactors poses a threat to national and international security. Minimization, and ultimately elimination, of HEU in civilian research reactors worldwide has been a goal of U.S. policy and programs since 1978. Today, 74 civilian research reactors around the world, including 8 in the United States, use or are planning to use HEU fuel. Since the last National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine report on this topic in 2009, 28 reactors have been either shut down or converted from HEU to low enriched uranium fuel. Despite this progress, the large number of remaining HEU-fueled reactors demonstrates that an HEU minimization program continues to be needed on a worldwide scale. Reducing the Use of Highly Enriched Uranium in Civilian Research Reactors assesses the status of and progress toward eliminating the worldwide use of HEU fuel in civilian research and test reactors.

Nuclear Energy Basic Principles
Nuclear Energy Basic Principles

Author: International Atomic Energy Agency

Publisher:

Published: 2008

Total Pages: 0

ISBN-13: 9789201126085

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Describes the rationale and vision for the peaceful use of nuclear energy. The publication identifies the basic principles that nuclear energy systems must satisfy to fulfil their promise of meeting growing global energy demands.

Impact of Fuel Density on Performance and Economy of Research Reactors
Impact of Fuel Density on Performance and Economy of Research Reactors

Author: International Atomic Energy Agency

Publisher:

Published: 2021

Total Pages: 84

ISBN-13: 9789201203205

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Research reactor fuel technology continues to evolve, driven in part by international efforts to develop high density fuels to enable the conversion of more reactors from highly enriched uranium (HEU) to low enriched uranium (LEU) fuels. These high density fuels may offer economic benefits for research reactors, despite being more expensive initially, because they offer the prospect of higher per-assembly burnup, thus reducing the number of assemblies that must be procured, and more flexibility in terms of spent fuel management compared to the currently qualified and commercially available LEU silicide fuels. Additionally, these new fuels may offer better performance characteristics. This publication provides a preliminary evaluation of the impacts on research reactor performance and fuel costs from using high density fuel. Several case studies are presented and compared to illustrate these impacts.

Material Properties of Unirradiated Uranium-Molybdenum (U-Mo) Fuel for Research Reactors
Material Properties of Unirradiated Uranium-Molybdenum (U-Mo) Fuel for Research Reactors

Author: International Atomic Energy Agency

Publisher:

Published: 2020-10-12

Total Pages: 144

ISBN-13: 9789201157201

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This publication presents the material properties of all unirradiated Uranium-Molybdenum (U-Mo) fuel constituents that are essential for fuel designers and reactor operators to evaluate the fuel's performance and safety for research reactors. Many significant advances in the understanding and development of low enriched uranium U-Mo fuels have been made since 2004, stimulated by the need to understand irradiation behavior and early fuel failures during testing. The publication presents a comprehensive overview of mechanical and physical property data from U-Mo fuel research

Research Reactor Spent Fuel Management
Research Reactor Spent Fuel Management

Author: IAEA

Publisher:

Published: 2022-01-30

Total Pages: 0

ISBN-13: 9789201200211

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This publication, resulting from an IAEA coordinated research project (CRP), provides information about available strategies for research reactor spent fuel management, and presents a decision methodology to assist those selecting among several options, to identify the preferred approach for their specific situation. The decision support tools were developed to consider not only the cost of the possible research reactor spent fuel management strategies, but also the non-economic factors that might influence their selection. Examples of the technologies that are currently used by some IAEA Member States are provided. Additionally, this publication provides information about the Excel based decision-support tools developed as part of this CRP, along with case studies and tutorials to assist users.