Single-Sinter Process for Manufacturing UO₂-Zro₂ and UO₂-ThO₂, Fuel Pllets-A Feasibility Study

Technical Report · Thu Dec 01 04:00:00 EST 1966

OSTI ID:7013812

Davis, R T; Hutchison, C R

A single-sinter process would offer a major cost savings over the conventional double-sinter process for the production of binary oxide nuclear fuel pellets. In the former case, only the pellet is sintered, while in the latter case, both powder (for homogeneity) and pellet are sintered. Four methods were attempted on 32 to 36 wt % UO/sub 2/-ZrO/sub 2/ compositions: separate ball milling of the two powders and subsequent blending, simultaneous ball milling, simultaneous planetary milling, and simultaneous colloid milling. Simultaneous planetary milling was also tried on an 8 wt % UO/sub 2/-ThO/sub 2/ composition. The ball milling methods were completely unsatisfactory in achieving density and U homogeneity. The planetary-milled pellets achieved density but not homogeneity. Colloid-milled pellets achieved density and fair homogeneity. Homogeneity was determined by electron microprobe and metallography techniques. No satisfactory pellets were fabricated with 8 wt % UO/sub 2/-ThO/sub 2/ composition by planetary milling both powders together. There are indications that the objective could be achieved with modification of the efforts described. (NSA 21: 11281)

• Research Organization: Bettis Atomic Power Lab., Pittsburgh, PA (USA)
• DOE Contract Number: AT(11-1)-GEN-14
• OSTI ID: 7013812
• Report Number(s): WAPD-TM-607
• 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
FABRICATION
FUEL PELLETS
LWBR TYPE REACTORS
OXIDES
OXYGEN COMPOUNDS
PELLETS
REACTORS
SINTERING
THERMAL REACTORS
THORIUM COMPOUNDS
THORIUM OXIDES
TRANSITION ELEMENT COMPOUNDS
URANIUM COMPOUNDS
URANIUM DIOXIDE
URANIUM OXIDES
WATER COOLED REACTORS
WATER MODERATED REACTORS
ZIRCONIUM COMPOUNDS
ZIRCONIUM OXIDES