Oxide Dispersion Strengthened (ODS) Fuel Pins Fabrication for BOR-60 Irradiation Test

In order to confirm and demonstrate Oxide Dispersion Strengthened (ODS) cladding fuel pin survival to high burnup condition, an irradiation test in BOR-60 was conducted within the framework of JNC-Russian RIAR collaborative work. Two types of 9Cr martensitic and 12Cr ferritic ODS steel claddings were manufactured in JNC, and the upper end-plugs were welded by the pressurized resistance method. In the RIAR fuel production facility, the MOX and UO2 granulated fuels as well as uranium metal getter particles were vibro-packed into the ODS steel cladding. The lower end-plug was welded by the TIG end-face method. The inspection and quality control of the fabricated ODS fuel pins were done through X-ray analysis, gamma scanning, and leak testing etc. and it was confirmed the fuel pins satisfied the BOR-60 requirements. Those fuel pins were loaded into two dismountable experimental assemblies, and irradiation was started in the BOR-60 from June 26, 2003. The cladding middle wall temperature was kept within 700±20[Degree]C and 650±20[Degree]C. Currently, the attained burnup is 5 at.%. Toward the target burnup of 15 at.%, interim examinations will be made at intervals of 5 at.%.