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Detection and control of as-produced pyrocarbon permeability in biso-coated high temperature gas-cooled reactor fuel particles

Journal Article · · Am. Ceram. Soc. Bull.; (United States)
OSTI ID:6858130
Fuel for high temperature gas-cooled reactors consists of dense uranium carbide and thoria microspheres coated with layers of pyrolytic carbon and silicon carbide. The pyrolytic carbon coatings must be impermeable to fission gases to function properly during irradiation. Therefore, particles must be carefully characterized to determine as-produced permeability. The experiment described compares several methods of permeability measurement - long-term chlorination followed by radiography, neon-helium intrusion, and fission gas release - and evaluates their value in predicting irradiation stability. Results show that the long-term chlorination and neon-helium procedures are preferable. 16 refs.
Research Organization:
Oak Ridge Natl Lab, TN, USA
OSTI ID:
6858130
Journal Information:
Am. Ceram. Soc. Bull.; (United States), Journal Name: Am. Ceram. Soc. Bull.; (United States) Vol. 61:2; ISSN ACSBA
Country of Publication:
United States
Language:
English