Transport prototype for advanced fuels launched

Urenco is taking part in a test-pilot to qualify a transportation package for advanced nuclear fuels enriched to higher levels.  

We will help test and qualify the new 30B-X cylinder model in which uranium enriched to up to 10% (LEU+) would be contained for transportation to fuel fabricators. This cylinder is part of the DN30-X package. 

Alongside our partner Orano, our operational testing will help ensure the suitability of the cylinder for industry, and determine whether any modifications are required. 

Current standard 30B cylinders are limited to transporting 5% enriched fuel.  

Advanced fuels, including high-assay low-enriched uranium (HALEU), will be needed to power small modular reactors (SMRs) and advanced modular reactors (AMRs), once they come to market. 

The transportation package is a key part of this, ensuring amongst other things, both functionality and safety.

Ben Hall, Head of Supply Chain Assets for Urenco, said: 

“We are committed to supporting the evolution of the nuclear fuel cycle through advanced fuels and transportation will prove a crucial enabler in all of this.

“This pilot is therefore another step forward for the advanced fuels’ market and we hope to ensure our participation brings about a positive outcome for the whole industry.”

Urenco will be using depleted uranium hexafluoride (UF6) for the pilot and testing will be performed on site only.

The cylinder has a capacity of 1,460kg UF6 for LEU+.

Currently, the DN30-X package has been licensed by the United States Regulatory Commission (NRC) while licensing in France is ongoing. 
 

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