GCFR-fuel-element-irradiations in the GSB-He-Loop-Mol
The Gas Cooled Fast Breeder with vented fuel elements can be considered as a promising alternative solution to Sodium Cooled Breeders. This variant of the GCFR needs the smallest amount of developmentpotential, considering that on one hand the He-plant is similar to that of HTRs, and on the other hand the fuel element development of the SNR can be applied. As part of the development of the vented fuel element, irradiation tests on fuel element bundles will be performed in the BR2 reactor in the so called He-Loop Mol. These are the only in-pile tests which respect all the requirements of a GCFR-power plant, except the original fast neutron fluence. This will be realized by the following items: installation of a cadmium screen, assuring an epithermal to fast neutron flux; irradiation of a vented 12 rod-bundle with all essential characteristics and components of a GCFR fuel element; and, a fuel-element-venting-system together with a fission-gas-separator system connected to the fuel element. The general aim of this test is a burn up to 60,000 - 100,000 MWd.t (sup -1) with a maximum rod power of 500 W.cm (sup -1) and a maximum cladding temperature of 700 deg C. Mainly the tests involve the irradiation behaviour of the vented fuel element bundles and the fuel-element-venting-system and its components. These irradiation tests are a Joint project of KFA and KWU with participation of S.C.K./C.E.N. and GfK.
- Research Organization:
- Kernforschungsanlage, Juelich (Germany)
- NSA Number:
- NSA-33-011252
- OSTI ID:
- 4155624
- Report Number(s):
- BLG--508; CONF-731234--
- Country of Publication:
- Belgium
- Language:
- English
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