TS-1 and TS-2 transient overpower tests on FFTF fuel

Conference · Thu Oct 03 04:00:00 EDT 1985

OSTI ID:6277874

Pitner, A L; Ferrell, P C; Culley, G E; Weber, E T

The TS-1 and TS-2 TREAT transient experiments subjected a low burnup (2 MWd/kg) and a medium burnup (58 MWd/kg), respectively, FFTF irradiated fuel pin to unprotected 5 cents/s overpower transient conditions. The fuel pin failure response was similar in the two tests, which demonstrated a large margin to failure (P/P/sub 0/ > 3) and a favorable upper level failure location. Thus, for these transient conditions, burnup effects on transient performance appeared to be minimal in the range tested. Pin disruption in the medium burnup TS-2 test was more severe due to the higher fission gas pressurization, but failure occurred at only a 5% lower power level than for the low burnup TS-1 fuel pin. Both tests exhibited axial extrusion of molten fuel to the region above the fuel column several seconds before pin failure, demonstrating a potentially beneficial inherent safety mechanism to delay failure and mitigate accident consequences.

• Research Organization: Hanford Engineering Development Lab., Richland, WA (USA)
• DOE Contract Number: AC06-76FF02170
• OSTI ID: 6277874
• Report Number(s): HEDL-SA-3348-FP; CONF-851115-43; ON: DE86004015
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

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ENERGY SOURCES
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SODIUM COOLED REACTORS
TEST REACTORS
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