April 27, 2023 – Framatome announced today a major step in the development of monolithic molybdenum-uranium (U-Mo) fuel for the Forschungsreaktor München II (FRM II) research reactor, operated by the Technical University of Munich (TUM), Germany. This is Europe’s low-enriched fuel with the highest density ever realized for research reactor operations.
Framatome’s CERCA Research and Innovation Laboratory (CRIL) in cooperation with TUM, developed the main component of a high-quality U-Mo fuel, manufactured the prototype, established a qualification procedure, and installed a pilot line in record time and within budget. This innovative fuel is a key contribution to the continued operation of FRM II which is essential for providing neutrons to the industry and scientific community.
“Producing innovations for safe and reliable operations of research reactors is at the heart of what we do every day,” said François Gauché, vice president of CERCA at Framatome. “Developing this sophisticated fuel while creating knowledge useful for future manufacturing was a significant challenge. We are proud of our CERCA team for providing a solution that meets the customer’s objectives and will ensure the continuation of its scientific activities.”
Framatome operator fabricates UMO foils at CERCA
The FRM II research reactor currently uses highly enriched uranium fuel to generate a dense neutron flux for scientific experiments and the production of medical radioisotopes. Several years ago, TUM engaged in a program to explore the feasibility of a fuel based on low-enriched uranium while maintaining good performance of the reactor. In 2019, the university contracted Framatome to develop the U-Mo foils manufacturing technique to support the existing technology of embedded foils in a cladding of aluminum.
Framatome’s innovative monolithic U-Mo fuel allows the reactor to maintain its high level of performance with lower-enriched uranium, thanks to the high uranium density. The first U-Mo foils were recently manufactured at CERCA using high quality uranium material. Irradiation of the first monolithic U-Mo fuel plate prototype is scheduled for September 2023.
FRM II is a world leading research reactor and neutron source. It is optimized for neutron scattering experiments at beam tubes and neutron guides. It has irradiation facilities that produce homogenously doped silicon for the renewable energy transition, and radioisotopes needed for medical diagnostics and cancer treatments.
Introduced in 2019, CRIL, located on Romans-sur-Isère, France, is dedicated to uranium-based fuel development that contributes to international research for physics and medicine.