In Seversk (Tomsk Region), a module for the fabrication and refabrication of nuclear fuel for the BREST-OD-300 fast neutron reactor has been put into pilot operation. This was reported by the press service of Rosatom State Corporation.
This is the first of three facilities of the unique Generation IV pilot demonstration power complex (ODEC), which is being built as part of the Proryv (Breakthrough) industry project on the territory of the Siberian Chemical Combine.
The automated production facility has manufactured the first mock fuel assemblies with fuel pellets made of depleted uranium nitride. They correspond to the design of the BREST-OD-300 core.
Four technological lines were created for production (carbothermal synthesis of mixed uranium and plutonium nitrides, production of fuel pellets, production of fuel elements, and assembly of complete fuel assemblies). Currently, specialists are working out the technology for fabricating BREST-OD-300 fuel assemblies with a fuel composition based on depleted uranium.
After receiving approval from Rostekhnadzor for handling plutonium, Siberian nuclear scientists will be able to start producing the target product — mixed dense nitride uranium-plutonium fuel (SNUP fuel).
Earlier, www1.ru reported that Rosatom completed testing of fuel for HTGR reactors in extreme conditions.
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