METHOD OF DISTINGUISHING DIFFERENT TYPES OF NUCLEAR FUEL ELEMENTS AND NUCLEAR FUEL ELEMENT PROVIDED WITH IDENTIFICATION MEANS

摘要

This invention relates to a method of distinguishing at least two different types of fuel elements (10), for use in a nuclear reactor, each fuel element (10) including a core (12), comprising a plurality of fuel particles (14), each having a kernel of fissile material, dispersed in a matrix (16), and at least one coating (18, 20) around the core (12), which method includes providing in the at least one coating (18, 20) of each fuel element (10) of the predetermined first type identification means whereby the fuel element (10) of said first type are distinguishable from fuel elements (10) of another type. The invention extends to a nuclear fuel element (10).