Fabrication of prototype fuel pins for the MZFR reactor

In accordance with a technical assistance agreement between the Kernforschungszentrum Karlsruhe (KfK) and the Instituto Nacional de Investigaciones Nucleares (ININ), a project was initiated for fabricating fuel pins for the MZFR (57 MW) power and research reactor located in Karlsruhe, Federal Republic of Germany. Specifications for the fuel pins were purchased from the reactor supplier. The fabrication technology, quality control procedures and quality assurance system were developed at ININ. KfK assisted by sending experts to ININ and by performing analyses that could not be done in Mexico because the equipment was not available. In 1980, 5000 fuel pellets were fabricated for one fuel assembly of the MZFR reactor. They were accepted for irradiation in the FRG by the Technischer Ueberwachungs-Verein (TUV). Irradiation was carried out from May 1981 to August 1983. A burnup of 9640 MW·d/t was reached. Post-irradiation examination is to be performed this year