EXPERIMENTAL INVESTIGATION OF THE SERVICEABILITY OF PROTECTIVE CLADDING FOR MICROFUEL UNDER THE CONDITIONS OF SERIOUS ACCIDENTS IN LIGHT-WATER REACTORS

摘要

The serviceability (corrosion resistance and integrity) of microfuel with a protective coating consisting of silicon carbide is investigated for the conditions of serious loss-of-coolant accidents in light-water reactors. Tests in a synthetic steam-gas medium - products of the combustion of propane in oxygen - which were performed in the temperature range 730-1670℃ established that at temperatures up to 1590℃ the microfuel coating possesses high corrosion resistance and retains its integrity. Substantial damage (up to 25%) to the microfuel was observed at 1670℃. The microfuel successfully passed tests with heating up to 800-1600℃ in air and subsequent rapid cooling in water.