Degradation Mechanisms During Pool Storage and Handling of Spent Power Reactor Fuel

摘要

Potential degradation mechanisms for light-water fuel during pool storage are surveyed. Degradation mechanisms such as general corrosion, local corrosion, stress corrosion, hydrogen embrittlement, and delayed hydrogen cracking are not expected to produce degradation to any significant extent for 50 years. The risk of continued degradation of fuel that was defective when put into storage is shown to be small. The manageability of high-burnup fuel is good, and there are extensive experience and well-developed routines for such handling in Sweden. The dose load on personnel engaged in fuel handling is low. The handling of other components in a fuel assembly can take place in a safe manner. (ERA citation 03:050027)