Fuel rod can removal using chemical etchant

摘要

Anodised zirconium cans are removed from spent nuclear fuel elements by first removing the oxide coating electrolytically in circumferential bonds spaced at intervals along the length of the can. The so treated can is then immersed in a chemical etching bath, of e.g. "Zirflex", which attackes the treated bonds to divide the can into sections, the spent fissile material being subsequently removed using nitric acid.