Axial Shuffling Fuel -Management Schemes for 1.2% SEU in CANDU

Abstract

The use of slightly enriched uranium (SEU) in CANDU* requires a different fuel management strategy than that usually employed with natural uranium fuel. Axial shuffling is a fuel-management strategy in which some or all of the fuel bundles are removed from the channel, rearranged, and reinserted into the same channel, along with fresh fuel. An axial shuffling scheme has been devised for 1.2% SEU which results in excellent power profiles, from the perspectives of both good axial flattening and power histories. With the CANFLEX (CANDU Flexible Fuelling) advanced fuel bundle, fuel ratings can be reduced to below 40 kW/m, with consequent safety benefits.