Published 2009 | Version v1
Miscellaneous

The generation 4 project -GFR fuel and other core materials-

  • 1. CEA Saclay, 91 - Gif sur Yvette (France)
  • 2. CEA Cadarache, 13 - Saint Paul lez Durance (France)
  • 3. Japan Atomic Energy Agency (Japan)
  • 4. Paul Scherrer Inst. (PSI), Villigen (Switzerland)
  • 5. Joint Research Centre, Institute for Transuranium Elements (Germany)

Description

The GFR (Gas cooled Fast Reactor) combines the advantages of a fast neutron spectrum with those of high temperatures. Given the high core outlet temperatures exceeding 800 C, it is clear that conventional metallic core structures and fuel cladding will be unable to meet the demanding requirements. Thus, only refractory metals or ceramic components can be considered for these purposes, as temperature excursions above 1600 C have to be foreseen. The design and development of an innovative refractory fuel in an advanced ceramic cladding remains a fundamental goal of the GFR system. Today, the focus is on SiC composite as structural and cladding material, with carbide (MC) fuel taking first priority over both oxide and nitride fuels as backups. Compatibility tests have shown that SiC and mixed metal carbide fuels (MC) react, necessitating the introduction of a protective liner made of W or other refractory material. 2 fuel element design option are considered: the plate type fuel and the pin type fuel. The basic design of plate type fuel is based on two ceramic plates, which enclose a honeycomb structure containing cylindrical pellets made of the mixed carbide fuel. Pin type fuel will be similar to current fast reactor designs

Additional details

Publishing Information

ISBN
978-92-64-99115-6
Imprint Title
GIF (Gen-IV International Forum) Symposium 2009. Proceedings
Imprint Pagination
295 p.
Journal Page Range
p. 136-143
Report number
INIS-FR--11-0893

Conference

Title
10 years of achievments and the path forward
Acronym
Gen-IV international forum (GIF)
Dates
9-10 Sep 2009
Place
Paris (France)

INIS

Country of Publication
Nuclear Energy Agency of the OECD (NEA)
Country of Input or Organization
Nuclear Energy Agency of the OECD (NEA)
INIS RN
43002315
Subject category
SPECIFIC NUCLEAR REACTORS AND ASSOCIATED PLANTS;
Resource subtype / Literary indicator
Conference
Quality check status
Yes
Descriptors DEI
FAST REACTORS; FEASIBILITY STUDIES; FUEL PINS; FUEL PLATES; GAS COOLED REACTORS; INTERNATIONAL COOPERATION; NUCLEAR FUELS; RESEARCH PROGRAMS;
Descriptors DEC
COOPERATION; ENERGY SOURCES; EPITHERMAL REACTORS; FUEL ELEMENTS; FUELS; MATERIALS; REACTOR COMPONENTS; REACTOR MATERIALS; REACTORS;

Optional Information

Lead record
mvma4-h8m91
Notes
6 refs.; Also available from the INIS Liaison Officer for France, see the 'INIS contacts' section of the INIS-NKM website for current contact and E-mail addresses: http://www.iaea.org//inis/Contacts/index.htm