SEDL / STP / STP276-EB / STP39606S

Dry Pressing Ceramic Fuel Elements to Close Tolerances

Hartwig, FJ
Head, Researeh Center, Babrock & Wilrox Co., Alliance, Ohio

Pages: 10    Published: Jan 1960

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Abstract

Methods are presented for improving tolerances on dry-pressed ceramic fuel pellets for nuclear reactors. The basic principles of close control and the equation relating green and fired densities to dimensions are explained. A prediction is made of fired diameter based on green diameter and density with corrections for differential diameter to length shrinkage, volatile material losses, and other factors, and is compared with experimental results. The agreement is good, and it is concluded that close tolerances are possible with care in measurements and fabrication.