Advances in CANDU Fuel Manufacturing in Argentina 1986-1989

Abstract

This paper, with special emphasis in fuel production aspects, follows the paper presented at the first conference, held in 1986. The main task in these last three years, was to reach and assure industrial production level for the domestic supply. The results of the activities carried on for detecting the causes of the epidemic failures, which preliminary results were informed in the previous presentation are reported briefly as welt as a comment on the effectiveness of the corrective actions that were taken. A description of the characteristics and evolution of the irradiation program that preceded the massive loading of fuel into the reactor are also made. The paper includes a summary of the in core performance of the bundles loaded from the failure period up to now. Finally, a reference on our present capability on Candu fuel manufacturing and engineering is included.