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A new method for UF sub 6 conversion to UO sub 2 with excellent characteristics

Conference · · Transactions of the American Nuclear Society; (USA)
OSTI ID:5560571

Several wet and dry methods for the conversion of UF{sub 6} to UO{sub 2} powder, e.g., the ammonium diuranate (ADU) process and the integrated dry route process, have been developed to an industrial scale. Although the UO{sub 2} powders fabricated by conventional methods have good ceramic characteristics, there is room for improvement. To extend burnup of nuclear fuel, a decrease in fission gas release from UO{sub 2} pellets is required. It has been considered that large-grain pellets satisfy this requirement, but it is difficult to obtain such large-grain pellets by using conventional UO{sub 2} powder. A new method has been developed to produce a highly active UO{sub 2} powder that can greatly contribute to improvement of the fabrication process of nuclear fuel pellet. By using this highly active UO{sub 2} powder, large-grain pellets can be made easily, and low-temperature sintering can be achieved.

OSTI ID:
5560571
Report Number(s):
CONF-880601--
Journal Information:
Transactions of the American Nuclear Society; (USA), Journal Name: Transactions of the American Nuclear Society; (USA) Vol. 56; ISSN TANSA; ISSN 0003-018X
Country of Publication:
United States
Language:
English