Manufacturing and Analytical Equipment for Simulated Fuel Debris Samples [12]

The simulated fuel debris samples (sintered pellets) are to be manufactured by mixing UO2 and reactor structural materials (Zr, Fe, Si, Gd, B, etc.) with various chemical compositions. These debris materials will be mixed in the form of oxide

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powders. The manufacturing equipment for the debris samples is composed of a ball mill, compacting machine, and sintering furnace. The debris samples will be analyzed destructively or nondestructively to determine nuclide composition, O/U ratio, density, and impurities. The manufacturing ability is to be 300 pellets a month. The analytical precision is still a matter under consideration. The manufacturing and analytical equipment are to be installed in glove boxes in the experimental building adjoining the modified STACY.