Preparation of U–Zr–Mn, a Surrogate Alloy for Recycling Fast Reactor Fuel

Abstract

Metallic fuel slugs of U–10Zr–5Mn (wt%), a surrogate alloy for the U–TRU–Zr (TRU: a transuranic element) alloys proposed for sodium-cooled fast reactors, were prepared by injection casting in a laboratory-scale furnace, and their characteristics were evaluated. As-cast U–Zr–Mn fuel rods were generally sound, without cracks or thin sections. Approximately 68% of the original Mn content was lost under dynamic vacuum and the resulting slug was denser than those prepared under Ar pressure. The concentration of volatile Mn was as per the target composition along the entire length of the rods prepared under 400 and 600 Torr. Impurities, namely, oxygen, carbon, silicon, and nitrogen, totaled less than 2,000 ppm, satisfying fuel criteria.

Ceramic plasma‐spray‐coated graphite crucible for injection casting of fast reactor fuel slugs

“…U‐Zr and U‐TRU‐RE‐Zr metal fuels have been considered as the driver fuels for SFR in Korea . Metal fuel slugs with a driver fuel assembly have been fabricated by the injection casting of fuel alloys under a vacuum state …”

Fabrication of U-10 wt.%Zr Metallic Fuel Rodlets for Irradiation Test in BOR-60 Fast Reactor

“…The technical challenges of U-TRU-Zr fuel are the fuel fabrication and irradiation performance up to a high burnup. Metallic fuels, such as U-Zr and U-TRU-Zr alloys, have been considered as a nuclear fuel for an SFR related to the closed fuel cycle for managing minor actinides and reducing the amount of spent nuclear fuel since the 1980s [13,14]. Metallic fuel has advantages such as simple fabrication procedures, good neutron economy, high thermal conductivity, excellent compatibility with a Na coolant, and inherent passive safety [15][16][17].…”