CHF on Anodized Zirconium-based Alloy Surfaces with Protective Oxide Layers for ATF cladding

Abstract

An anodization method is considered for the accident-tolerant fuel cladding in nuclear power plants. A new approach is used to form stable/intact nanostructures on the conventional Zr-based cladding surface to protect the surface against active oxidation under high-temperature steam conditions. CHF experiments have been performed to consider the anodizing time, boric acid concentration and irradiation effects. After certain periods, the CHF values become saturated, and the boric acid-added coolant shows noticeable effects on the non-anodized surface. The irradiated surfaces become hydrophobic but still showed better CHF results than the non-anodized surfaces. (C) 2021 Published by Elsevier Ltd.