The IVV-2M is a high-flux, 15 MW pool-type reactor with a hexagonal core containing 42 hexagonal fuel elements enriched in uranium-235 to 90 percent. Initial studies have been carried out to examine the feasibility of converting this reactor to 19.75 percent enriched fuel containing a UO2- aluminum dispersion fuel meat.

This reactor is being very effectively operated at present and has a high level of utilization, so any significant loss of consumer characteristics fol­lowing conversion would be problematic. Initial conversion studies have focused on identifying a fuel type that would meet consumer needs. Ana­lytical studies have examined the reactor characteristics that would result from conversion to dispersion fuels having uranium densities of 3.5 and 6.5 gU/cm3 as well as a UMo-aluminum dispersion fuel.

Conversion to a 3.5 gU/cm3 fuel that was manufactured using existing (extrusion-based) fuel fabrication technologies would result in insufficient reactivity reserve and the deterioration of other consumer characteristics such as burnup. Conversion using 6.0-6.5 gU/cm3 fuel would improve the feasibility of conversion if fuel elements with such material were able to be manufactured economically.