Process for recycling nuclear fuel pellets previously irradiated in a fast neutrons nuclear reactor

摘要

In order to multiply by three or four the rate of combustion of nuclear fuel pellets (P) in fast neutron nuclear reactors, it is proposed, after a period of normal irradiation of these pellets in the reactor core, to replace the sheath (G) irradiated by a new sheath (G ′) with an internal diameter slightly greater than that of the sheath (G). The pellets can thus undergo a new irradiation cycle in the reactor core. Preferably, the sheath (G) is destroyed by progressive local fusion over its entire length, and the new sheath (G ′) is preheated to facilitate the introduction of the pellets (P).