UO2 Fuel Pellet Manufacture

Abstract

The UO₂ pellet fabrication process used by a principal CANDU fuel manufacturer is described. High pellet quality and favourable process economics are very dependent on the supply of ceramic grade UO₂ powder possessing consistently reproducible chemical and physical properties. The paper discusses the importance and influence of the starting powder properties on the pellet process and describes some of the more serious processing problems that have been encountered in recent years. The paper also reviews experience with small scale manufacture of enriched UO₂ pellets and addresses some of the additional problems that are imposed by enrichment. This is extended into brief consideration of large scale manufacture of slightly enriched fuel (SEU).