Performance and economic assessment of enriched gadolinia burnable absorbers

Allbwn ymchwil: Cyfraniad at gyfnodolynErthygladolygiad gan gymheiriaid

Fersiynau electronig

Dogfennau

Dangosydd eitem ddigidol (DOI)

As a burnable absorber, gadolinium oxide (Gd2O3) is widely used in light water reactors due to the high neutron absorption cross section of several gadolinium isotopes and its good solid solubility in UO2. However, some isotopes of natural Gd cause residual reactivity suppression, while some are not efficient neutron absorbers, reducing the efficiency of the burnable absorber when implemented. In this study, fuel assemblies utilising gadolinium oxide enriched with 157Gd isotope were modelled using Monte Carlo particle transport methods and compared to fuel with a natural Gd based absorber. Reactivity gains were examined over the life of the assembly utilising 157Gd-enriched absorber as compared to natural gadolinia. A preliminary economic evaluation is also made to assess the commercial benefits of using 157Gd-enriched burnable absorber. Use of enriched gadolinium oxide is shown to eliminate residual reactivity caused by natural gadolinium oxide, and similar reactivity properties (and therefore criticality margins) can be achieved with less burnable absorber in the fuel. The financial cost of incorporating enriched Gd isotopes into nuclear fuel has also been estimated.

Allweddeiriau

Iaith wreiddiolSaesneg
Rhif yr erthygl103752
CyfnodolynProgress in Nuclear Energy
Cyfrol137
Dyddiad ar-lein cynnar8 Mai 2021
Dynodwyr Gwrthrych Digidol (DOIs)
StatwsCyhoeddwyd - Gorff 2021

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