Fabrication of high and low density ThO/sub 2/ fuel pellets (LWBR Development Program)

Technical Report · Wed Nov 30 23:00:00 EST 1966

OSTI ID:6723756

Hutchison, C R; Johnson, R G.R.

Characteristics of ThO/sub 2/ powder were evaluated in relation to sintered-pellet density. Open porosity in low-density ThO/sub 2/ fuel pellets was controlled by organic fugitive additions, which were removed by a thermal pretreatment prior to sintering. Of the several additives investigated, sucrose and dextrose offered the most promise for fabrication of pellets in the range of 75 to 85% of TD. Two pilot-scale pellet batches were made to check reproducibility of properties. Difficulties were encountered in producing pellets of uniform density in larger sizes (0.676-in. die size). (NSA 21: 11280)

• Research Organization: Bettis Atomic Power Lab., Pittsburgh, PA (USA)
• DOE Contract Number: AT(11-1)-GEN-14
• OSTI ID: 6723756
• Report Number(s): WAPD-TM-576
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

Related Subjects

050700* -- Nuclear Fuels-- Fuels Production & Properties
11 NUCLEAR FUEL CYCLE AND FUEL MATERIALS
ACTINIDE COMPOUNDS
BREEDER REACTORS
CHALCOGENIDES
DENSITY
FABRICATION
FUEL PELLETS
LWBR TYPE REACTORS
OXIDES
OXYGEN COMPOUNDS
PELLETS
PHYSICAL PROPERTIES
REACTORS
SINTERING
THERMAL REACTORS
THORIUM COMPOUNDS
THORIUM OXIDES
WATER COOLED REACTORS
WATER MODERATED REACTORS