Zirconium alloy and uranium oxide fuel development in india for nuclear power reactors

摘要

India is pursuing a self-reliant nuclear power programme since the last three decades. Presently, two Boiling Water Reactors (BWR) and ten Pressurised Heavy Water Reactors (PHWR) are in operation with total capacity of 2330 MWe and two more PHWR 220 MWe units would be commissioned by the end of the year 2000. The target is to set up 20,000 MWe nuclear power by 2020. The Nuclear Fuel Complex (NFC) at Hyderabad have been manufacturing zirconium alloy clad natural and enriched uranium oxide fuels for PHWRs and BWRs respectively. During the last two years, the production of Hf-free ZrO_2 powder and zirconium sponge and UO_2 powder, pellets and PHWR fuel assemblies have been enhanced significantly. The present paper summarises the manufacturing experience of these materials at NFC during recent years.