Book Description

The use of metallic uranium fuel elements on a large scale in a pressurized water cooled graphite moderated power reactor environment in N-Reactor not only represents an extrapolation from previous Hanford fuel technology but it represents the only production-scale application of this concept in this country or abroad. Provision of a supporting technology is and will continue to be a major activity at Hanford as only a limited amount of directly applicable R & D will be available from other sites. The major benefit to be achieved through an extensive and continuing fuel program is attainment of the full capabilities of the N-Reactor at much reduced fuel cycle costs. The current N-Reactor fuel design represents the best engineering judgment of what is required for adequate performance. While the design is intentionally conservative, some features may not fully provide the level of performance required to sustain efficient reactor operation. Results of production-scale irradiation experience and special test irradiations will provide direction to a continuing program to correct any excesses or deficiencies in the initial fuel design. Reduction of unwarranted conservatism in the design will lower fuel fabrication costs, and correction of deficiencies will lower irradiation costs through increased time operated efficiency. Costs of this program are summarized for 1965, 66, and 67. The paper describes the scope of the program, its relationship to other programs, and technical progress in FY-1965 which included improved performance of the fuel elements even with the large number of rapid shutdowns of the reactor.