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Current strategies for reduced-length burnable absorber applications

Conference · · Transactions of the American Nuclear Society; (USA)
OSTI ID:5324425
The Westinghouse philosophy and experience in selecting reduced-length burnable absorbers (BAs) are presented for extended cycles with advanced fuel features to improve fuel utilization, and for plants with low F{sub Q} technical specification limits. Choosing the BA length for a particular reload cycle requires a detailed evaluation of the impact on various competing factors. Reduced-length BAs are being used successfully by Westinghouse for power distribution control. Such BAs enhance the use of advanced fuel products to reduce fuel cycle costs and increase cycle lengths up to 2 yr. Reduction in normal operation steady-state total peaking factors of up to 15% can be accomplished. This benefit can in turn be used by utilities to allow more relaxed modes of operation without the need for safety limit reanalysis.
OSTI ID:
5324425
Report Number(s):
CONF-890604--
Conference Information:
Journal Name: Transactions of the American Nuclear Society; (USA) Journal Volume: 59
Country of Publication:
United States
Language:
English