Evaluation of a PWR Assembly Subjected to Air-Storage

摘要

Most dry storage tests and demonstrations involving Zircaloy-clad fuel have been conducted in inert cover gases. The availability of irradiated PWR fuel and an instrumented dry storage test module (Fuel Temperature Test or FTT Facility) at the Engine Maintenance and Disassembly (EMAD) site in Nevada prompted a dry storage test in air. Fuel characteristics and test conditions are summarized elsewhere. Not included in the prior publication are results of the post-test fuel examination. To date, that examination has involved visual inspection, photography, and analysis of swipes taken from fuel assembly surfaces. This communication summarizes results of the examination and an overview of the test interpretation and significance. 10 refs., 3 tabs. (ERA citation 11:035601)