PROCESS FOR APPLICATION OF LUBRICANT TO FUEL ROD DURING FUEL ASSEMBLY LOADING PROCESS

摘要

PURPOSE: A method for coating lubricant on a fuel rod in a fuel assembly loading process is provided to improve fuel cycle performance by reducing physical contact and friction between the fuel rod and a support grid. CONSTITUTION: A lubricant compound including poly-alkylene glycol is coated on the outer surface of a fuel rod(66). The fuel rod is loaded on a support grid(64) of a nuclear fuel assembly. The fuel rod includes zirconium. The support grid reduces physical contact and friction between the fuel rod and the support grid. The fuel rod includes materials selected among zirconium alloy, inconel alloy, and mixture thereof.