Overview of High Burn-up Fuel Irradiation Test in Fuel Test Loop

The steady state FTL (Fuel Test Loop) was installed in the multi-purpose research reactor HANARO. Recently, many LWR fuel plants have been increasing their fuel discharge burn-up and power level due to economic advantages. KAERI has developed advanced fuel claddings and large grain UO2 pellets. But the development of a nuclear fuel material and fuel requires various performance verification tests under simulated commercial reactor conditions. The FTL is the first test facility that can provide PWR and CANDU operation conditions in the Korea. The in-pile performance of the developed fuel under the steady state condition will be verified in FTL. A plan for the irradiation test of an advanced cladding and UO2 pellet has been prepared in collaboration with the relevant divisions of HANARO. At present, a rod manufacturing and test capsule assembling are progressing and various analyses are being carried out for a confirmation of their safety. Irradiation test will be started in November, 2008