Contract
The project aims to develop high-temperature gas-cooled reactor (HTGR) fuel in accordance with the technical and functional specifications for Jimmy’s fuel manufacturing plant in le Creusot, France. NUKEM was responsible for designing and integrating the corresponding fuel manufacturing process.
Having successfully completed the first project, NUKEM was again tasked by Mitsubishi Heavy Industries, Ltd with performance of additional feasibility studies to evaluate critical aspects associated with remotely controlled operations at the damaged reactor of Fukushima I and to identify the main risks.
Description
Jimmy Energy is developing and implementing small modular reactors based on HTGR fuel technology to supply high-temperature heat for industrial applications. The small-reactor concept under development uses fuel compacts embedded in graphite blocks. The associated fuel fabrication facility is designed to manufacture fuel compacts containing uranium enriched to 19.75% U-235, also known as HALEU. Within the framework of several partnerships for the production of TRISO fuel compacts, the initial focus is on engineering the HTGR fuel production process. The project between Jimmy Energy and NUKEM was carried out in two phases between 2022 and 2025.
The project consisted of four studies:
Cost estimation for a hot cell intended to sample molten fuel
Arrangement of penetrations in the walls separating the reactor from the waste treatment building, including remote installation of two shielding gates
Designing a cell complex for measuring and packaging of samples taken from molten fuel
Remote installation of a shutoff damper isolating access to the reactor containment
Services
NUKEM provided basic and detailed design services for the final fuel production process. This included preparing technical specifications for fuel production plant equipment and developing technical inquiry packages for long-lead items. NUKEM also advised Jimmy on the licensing process throughout the project and on nuclear safety-related matters.
NUKEM provided the following services:
Comprehensive evaluation method for the selection of the most suitable concepts
Development of a conceptual design for preferred options
3-D modelling of working areas that covers various scenarios and special equipment
Preparation of process flow diagrams, detailed cost estimations, engineering plans and operational sequences
Recommendations with regard to standard technologies which are mostly suitable for the selected concepts, suggestions for improvement.
