GNF fuel and channel performance: 2016 update

Rob Schneider, Dan Lutz, Paul Cantonwine

Research output: Chapter in Book/Report/Conference proceedingConference contributionpeer-review

1 Scopus citations

Abstract

GNF2 is an advanced 10x10 BWR fuel design that was initially introduced in reload quantities in 2008. It has now replaced GE14 as the fuel design with the largest number of bundles in the operating fleet. Utilities are reaping the benefits of improved nuclear and thermal performance as well as high reliability. Transition to GNF2 fuel in the fleet is nearly complete with only three plants continuing to receive GE14 fuel in 2016. GNF2 reload bundles are now being discharged, and inspections have been completed on GNF2 bundles operated to over 61 GWd/MT and over 7.5 years. For both GE14 and GNF2, 2015 was a challenging year in terms of fuel reliability, with an increase in debris-related failures. The failures are concentrated in pumped-forward drain plants (that have long showed increased susceptibility to debris issues), plants with histories of recurrent debris failures, and in some cases in plants that had component failures or unusual or extensive maintenance or modifications. There have been no failures from causes other than debris. In GNF2, there are no failures due to manufacturing, PCI-type, dryout, or any form related to crud or corrosion. Operating experience in 2015 (and over the past decade) is discussed in terms of Failed Fuel Management, or operation with fuel failures in the core, and channel-control blade interference.

Original languageEnglish
Title of host publicationTop Fuel 2016
Subtitle of host publicationLWR Fuels with Enhanced Safety and Performance
PublisherAmerican Nuclear Society
Pages1389-1396
Number of pages8
ISBN (Electronic)9780894487309
StatePublished - 2016
Externally publishedYes
EventTop Fuel 2016: LWR Fuels with Enhanced Safety and Performance - Boise, United States
Duration: Sep 11 2016Sep 15 2016

Publication series

NameTop Fuel 2016: LWR Fuels with Enhanced Safety and Performance

Conference

ConferenceTop Fuel 2016: LWR Fuels with Enhanced Safety and Performance
Country/TerritoryUnited States
CityBoise
Period09/11/1609/15/16

Keywords

  • BWR fuel
  • Channel distortion
  • Fuel reliability

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