Canadian High Burnup Fuel Experience

Abstract

All Canada's commercial irradiation experience is with the natural UO₂, once-through, fuel cycle. However, AECL has also accumulated a substantial database for MOX [(U,Pu)O₂, (Th,U)O₂ and (Th,Pu)O₂] and SEU [(≤ 2 wt% U-235)O₂]. The data base incorporates normal operating conditions; including power ramps, to burnups in excess of 1000 MW.h/kgHE (40 000 MW.d/TeHE)at a range of linear powers. In the SEU data base is a well-documented program on the advanced annular fuel/graphite disc fuel designs for high power and burnup applications. There is also a significant instrumented irradiation support program based on SEU.

The studies have not identified any previously unrecognized life-limiting phenomena which would preclude use of the current standard CANDU fuel design to burnups of at least 600 MW.h/kgHE (25 000 MW.d/TeHE).