Quality Assurance in CANDU-Type Fuel Manufacturing

Abstract

This paper is concerned with fabrication of UO₂ pellets from UO₂ powder by powder metallurgical methods (pelletizing and sintering). The effect of ejection to molding force ratio on the fired pellets properties was studied. It is observed that pellets cold- pressed at ratio less than 75% is cracked to two parts. The effect of the sintering temperature on the fired pellets properties was studied. It was found that the sintering of UO₂ pellets at 1650°C leads to production of pellets within the qualification requirements.

The data and information available in the ASTM for each step in UO₂ pellets fabrication process and the technical experience (gained or published) are transformed into a group of logic flow charts (LFC'S). These logic flow charts are collected to form a module of a software to qua1iQ the sintered pellets and also gives a technical assistance according to the ASTM for each step in the fabrication process.