Process Modeling for LEU Fuel Fabrication to Support Minimizing Use of HEU in Research Reactors1

摘要

Los Alamos National Laboratory has constructed a demonstration enterprise system model for theproduction of low-enriched uranium (LEU) research-reactor fuel for the National Nuclear SecurityAdministration (NNSA) NA-21 Reactor Convert Program. The model includes all major processes shownin the fabrication flowsheet proposed by the Idaho National Laboratory (INL) at the macroscopic processlevel (e.g., casting, coating, bonding) and includes sample material reject rates and amounts. The model is tobe used to demonstrate capability to examine equipment requirements, equipment failure effects, andprocess reject-rate effects. The model is an original model constructed using the recently releasedExtendSim? version 7 using existing modeling concepts and using previous process evaluation work as thebasis for data.