Abstract
The aim in this paper is to optimize the nature, localization and geometry of the burnable absorber for the present and the future BR2 fuel, which will be used after the conversion of the reactor. The final goal is to achieve at least the same or better utilization of the BR2 fuel at reduced energy costs, extended core life time, flattened reactivity evolution and reduced control rods motion. Comparative analysis of the efficiency and the absorption capabilities is performed for several candidates as burnable absorber for the new BR2 fuel: Cd, Gd2O3, B4C. The burnable absorber is lumped in different geometries out of the fuel meat, in the aluminum side plates. Detailed calculations of the 3-D burn up rate in the considered absorbers are presented. The reactivity excess in the converted cores with different fuel types is compared with a reference BR2 core load, containing HEU fuel with poisons, mixed in the fuel meat.
| Original language | English |
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| Title of host publication | 30th International Meeting On Reduced Enrichment For research And Test Reactors, October 5-9, 2008, Washington D.C., USA |
| Place of Publication | Illinois, United States |
| State | Published - 6 Oct 2008 |
| Event | RERTR 2008 - Washington D.C. Duration: 5 Oct 2008 → 9 Oct 2008 |
Conference
| Conference | RERTR 2008 |
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| Country/Territory | United States |
| City | Washington D.C. |
| Period | 2008-10-05 → 2008-10-09 |