Further and New Development of Processes for the Production of Fuels and Fuel Elements for Nuclear Reactors. Final Report

Automatic translation: Summary: About 15 kg (UO₂ + TH₂ + C) granules with 90% enriched uranium were produced for the first time by build-up granulation in the Lödi mixer. A 60 kW induction furnace was needed for the melting work be rebuilt in which, after completion, 22 kg of UO₂ particles were melted. To handle molten (U,Th)C₂ particles to be able to, in addition to a glove box line, the construction of an argon cleaning plant had become necessary. The construction of this apparatus is described The coating of the 25 kg test deer in the fluidized bed was completed. About apparatus experiences, manufacturing conditions and properties of the coated particles are reported. the Apparatus proved itself well, and the test series went without significant difficulties. In addition to continuing research on uranium diffusion in of the PyC layer, the properties of batches WM 8 to WM 28 were determined in the course of checking the ongoing particle development examined. Also microstructural studies and determination of hydrolysis speed were performed on (U,Th)C₂ particles. The development work and the newly gained knowledge have partly led to changes to the 1966 established work program. The field of aqueous conversion has already begun In 1966 the ADU procedure was shelved in favor of the AUC procedure. The main work of 1966 was thus concentrated on expanding the AUC process into a technical and economical production process. The efforts successfully extended to the planning, construction, construction and start-up of a 100 t/y UO₂ conversion plant off, after it had succeeded, in pilot plant trials to develop a promising process concept. In this In October 1966, the plant started producing low-enriched UF₆ ceramic grade from UF₆ on the planned scale full satisfaction.