The Recycle Fuel Fabrication Laboratories at Chalk River

Abstract

The Recycle Fuel Fabrication Laboratory at Chalk River Nuclear Laboratories (CRNL) was established in 1975 to produce fuel bundles containing mixed oxides of uranium/plutonium/thorium. The facility consists of lines of glove boxes and fume hoods connected by appropriate conveyors for the product. Conventional processes for pelleting and sintering of oxide fuel are used. Prefabricated Zircaloy element "cans" are TIG closure welded after loading the pellets. Bundles are assembled by resistance welding of elements onto endplates to produce the required final geometry. The laboratory has its own dedicated analytical section along with the required facilities for radiological protection and physical security.