Global Nuclear Fuel Joins Project to Increase Efficiency of Nuclear Fuel

The research initiative is exploring how to boost the thermal conductivity of boiling water reactor (BWR) fuel by adding beryllium oxide (commonly known as beryllia or BeO) to the fuel. BeO is a ceramic known for having an extremely high thermal conductivity.
IBC (TSX-V: IB) is sponsoring the fuel research study underway at Purdue University and Texas A&M University to evaluate the use of BeO to improve the thermal conductivity of BWR fuel. The research is being conducted as part of a collaborative research agreement signed in August 2008.
“We are extremely pleased to sign this MOU with Global Nuclear Fuel to become our industry partner and help develop and commercialize this new advanced oxide technology, which has great potential to change the BWR fuel marketplace,” said Anthony Dutton, president & CEO of IBC Advanced Alloys Corp.
Research work by Purdue and Texas A&M’s nuclear engineers has determined that a BeO-enhanced BWR fuel could boost the operational safety of current and future reactors due to its superior thermal conductivity. A BeO-enhanced fuel may also potentially result in operational cost savings and efficiencies compared to conventional nuclear fuels. Other potential benefits include a theoretical reduction in fission gas production within the core, resulting in higher fuel burn-up rates (greater fuel efficiency) and a reduced amount of potential energy left in “spent” fuel rods.
“We are excited to work with IBC to help evaluate this innovative advanced oxide process and its potential to enhance the thermal performance of our BWR fuel, which in turn would result in fuel cycle benefits for plant operators,” said Nicole Holmes, chief operating officer, GNF. “The bottom line is that GNF is committed to developing innovative new technologies to improve our fuel performance, resulting in important savings for our utility customers.”