Southern Nuclear, operator of the Vogtle plant, along with Framatome, removed and inspected the four LFAs after Cycle 23 at Unit 2. The fuel showed excellent performance, meeting expectations. These LFAs were inserted into the reactor in April 2019, marking the final phase of their three-cycle operational journey.
"This is a significant milestone for our program and through our collaboration with the U.S. Department of Energy and Southern Nuclear we bring this new and innovative technology one step closer to commercial operations," said Lionel Gaiffe, senior executive vice president, Fuel Business Unit at Framatome. "The success of this project demonstrates accident tolerant fuel readiness for the safe and reliable generation of our clean energy future."
Framatome's PROtect E-ATF program, funded in part by the U.S. Department of Energy, has gained operational experience across six reactors of five different types worldwide.
The GAIA LFAs, fabricated at Framatome's facility in Richland, Washington, included four lead test rods per assembly, making a total of 16 lead test rods. These were enhanced with advanced chromium-coated M5Framatome zirconium alloy cladding, along with chromia-enhanced fuel pellets in all assembly rods. The chromium coating improves oxidation resistance at high temperatures and reduces hydrogen generation in the event of a cooling failure. Additionally, this innovative coating increases resistance to debris, minimizing fuel failure risks during normal operations.
Related Links
Framatome
Nuclear Power News - Nuclear Science, Nuclear Technology
Powering The World in the 21st Century at Energy-Daily.com
Subscribe Free To Our Daily Newsletters |
Subscribe Free To Our Daily Newsletters |