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.
Nuclear Engineering Seibersdorf tasked NUKEM to perform a feasibility study for implementation of a reconditioning concept for homogenously and non-homogenously cemented waste inside 200l drums.
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 feasibility study constitutes the basis for identifying the most technically sound reconditioning processes and subsequent designing and implementation of the required components. The main points of the feasibility study are as follows: Brief description of the current situation Description of reconditioning processes for homogenously and non-homogenously grouted 200l waste drums Simplified layout of the reconditioning facility inside a caisson in consideration of the local conditions Preparation of the list of components Cost estimation Schedule estimate
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 carries out a feasibility study in line with relevant codes and standards and according to the state of the art for design, construction and reconstruction of nuclear waste treatment facilities, systems and components. The major focus of the study is as follows: Consideration of options with regard to cutting and handling techniques Detailed evaluation and selection of the most suitable option Elaboration of the preferred option in detail
