The program`s objective is to develop the technical foundation for use of projection fuel elements through an accelerated testing program. Two types of projection fuel elements are being considered (1) Self-supported fuel elements for use in ribless aluminum or zirconium process tubes; and (2) Bumper fuel elements for use in ribbed process tubes. A further objective of the program is to determine the most desirable method of fabrication and type of support for projection fuel elements. The program must develop the self-supported concept in time to meet the proposed ribless zirconium process tube installation schedule. Parallel development of the bumper …
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Publisher Info:
General Electric Co., Richland, WA (United States). Hanford Atomic Products Operation
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Richland, Washington
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Description
The program`s objective is to develop the technical foundation for use of projection fuel elements through an accelerated testing program. Two types of projection fuel elements are being considered (1) Self-supported fuel elements for use in ribless aluminum or zirconium process tubes; and (2) Bumper fuel elements for use in ribbed process tubes. A further objective of the program is to determine the most desirable method of fabrication and type of support for projection fuel elements. The program must develop the self-supported concept in time to meet the proposed ribless zirconium process tube installation schedule. Parallel development of the bumper fuel element is an interim program to realize immediate gains in reduced hot spot rupture tendency, during the change over to zirconium tubes. The appended charts indicate the proposed accelerated testing and development schedules being followed. Testing of the self-support concept has indicated that the collapsible supports are adequate to maintain fuel centering, do not introduce additional corrosion problems resulting from the supports, and do in fact greatly reduce the incidence of hot-spot flow patterns. Reductions in rupture potential of at least a factor of 30 have been demonstrated at the 95% confidence level. Bumper fuel testing has indicated that the concept is feasible for K Plant use, and current testing is being done to evaluate this concept at the old reactors.
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11 p.
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OSTI as DE94010631; Paper copy available at OSTI: phone, 865-576-8401, or email, reports@adonis.osti.gov
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Clinton, M. A. & Peacock, D. W.Status report: Protection fuel testing program, July 1960,
report,
July 15, 1960;
Richland, Washington.
(https://digital.library.unt.edu/ark:/67531/metadc1319827/:
accessed November 18, 2025),
University of North Texas Libraries, UNT Digital Library, https://digital.library.unt.edu;
crediting UNT Libraries Government Documents Department.