Some aspects of the use of steel during out of reactor storage and transportation of spent nuclear fuel. (Review)

Abstract

In the world, the nuclear industry is considered an ideal option for an environmentally friendly source of energy generation, based on the separation of the radioactive nuclide of the chemical element 235U. When generating electricity from nuclear power plants, the main disadvantage is the generation of radioactive waste. After spent fuel is removed from a nuclear reactor, it is placed in special containers containing absorption and retention elements. It is obvious that the storage and transportation of spent nuclear fuel plays an important role in the development and overall safety of the nuclear industry, and high-quality neutron-absorbing materials are the basis for the successful manufacture of reliable structures and containers. The development of modern neutron absorption materials ensures reliability, safety, storage duration, as well as reducing the cost of logistics operations associated with the transportation of radioactive waste. Based on the results of the analysis of scientific and technical sources, modern ideas about materials for the manufacture of containers, which are used for storage and transportation of nuclear fuel waste, are summarized. The advantages and disadvantages of the main materials used in the disposal of spent nuclear fuel are considered. It has been established that, from an economic point of view, the most rational material for storing and transporting radioactive waste is ferritic stainless steel with a high boron content, which, in addition to absorption abilities, is characterized by other properties required for this type of product. Since boron has a low ability to dissolve in both austenite and ferrite, this leads to the formation of borides of various types, which contribute to the embrittlement of the structural material. At the same time, the distribution of borides over the volume of a metal product is determined not only by a set of properties, but also by the protective properties of the material, as well as the manufacturability of the final product from it. Despite the fact that boron-containing steels of the ferritic class have been known for a long time, issues related to the processes of structure formation, increasing technological and operational properties still remain insufficiently studied and controversial. There is also no information on the influence of heat treatment on the formation of the structure and mechanical properties of finished products made of ferritic stainless steels. Successful solution of these scientific and technical problems will ensure the production of modern high-quality neutron-absorbing containers for off-reactor storage and transportation of spent nuclear fuel.