The fuel elements and fuel assemblies in Vietnam must ensure integrity in all situations

The fuel elements and fuel assemblies in Vietnam must ensure integrity in all situations (Internet image)

Accordingly, Article 30 of Circular 30/2012/TT-BKHCN stipulates that fuel elements and fuel assemblies must ensure integrity in all situations, possess resistance to radiation and conditions within the reactor core, even when their quality is degraded after a period of use. When assessing the quality of fuel elements and fuel assemblies after a period of use, the following factors must be taken into account:

- The expansion and deformation;

- The external pressure of the coolant;

- The internal pressure of fission products and helium accumulation;

- The effects of irradiation;

- The variation in the pressure and temperature resulting from the changes in the power of the nuclear power plant;

- The chemical effects;

- The static and dynamic loading; the flow-induced vibrations and mechanical vibrations;

- The variations in the performance of heat transfer resulting from distortions or chemical effects.

The limits on the permissible leakage of fission products from the fuel shall be established so that the fuel remains usable below such limits. Fuel elements and fuel assemblies must be able to withstand the effects related to the installation, dismantlement, transportation, and storage as prescribed.

In addition, Article 31 of Circular 30/2012/TT-BKHCN also stipulates that the geometrical design of fuel elements, fuel assemblies, and supporting structures must ensure that the capability of cooling is maintained, and the insertion of the control rods into the reactor core is not impeded in operational states and in accident conditions, other than severe accidents.

For more details, see regulations in Circular 30/2012/TT-BKHCN, effective from February 11, 2013.   

Le Vy

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