SNRI Fuel Fabrication Processes
The main function of the SNRI is nuclear reactor research and fuel fabrication. The SNRI fabricates the fuel on site for the research reactor and for other facilities.
SNRI is capable of fabricating fuel of various types, enrichments, and quantities based on research demands and requests from other facilities and plants in Anshar.
SNRI works with vendors and other plants to purchase UO2 based on enrichment requirements for the project. The UO2 is stored in the Oxide Bunker at the facility until SNRI has throughput to fabricate the fuel.
The annual through put of the SNRI fuel fabrication facility is approximately 1 metric ton.
Pellets To Assemblies
Source material can result from the milling and concentration of uranium contained in ore mined for its uranium content. It can also be generated in the process of refining ores mined for other precious metals.
Enriched UF6 is transported to a plant where it is converted to uranium dioxide powder. This powder is then sent to a fuel fabrication plant like SNRI and is pressed to form small fuel pellets, which are then heated to make a hard ceramic material. The pellets are then inserted into thin tubes to form fuel rods. These fuel rods are then grouped together to form fuel assemblies, which are several meters long.
Ceramic Pellets
SNRI is proud to be the premier research based fuel fabrication plant for Anshar. Source material of various types, quantities, and enrichment rates are stored at various locations throughout the site.
The conversion process from UO2 to a usable fuel element can be complex.
Conditioned UO2 powder is fed into dies and pressed biaxially into cylindrical pellet form using a load of several hundred MPa – this is done in pressing machines operating at high speed. Rigorous quality control is applied to ensure pellet integrity and precise dimensions.
SNRI Holdings
SNRI has a myriad of buildings and facilities in order to conduct the various types of research and fabrication processes to fulfill AAEA's mandated mission. Understanding what these buildings hold greatly increases the understanding of SNRI's fuel fabrication process.
Click the following link to learn more about SNRI's buildings and material holdings.
About SNRI
SNRI was established in 1950 to serve as the primary nuclear energy research facility for the Republic of Anshar. The instititue houses various research, fuel fabrication, administrative, and plant support facilities.
The institute is located approximately 29km from Utu; Anshar's beautiful capital city.
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