3D printed nuclear fuel debris filters tested

US company Westinghouse has supplied four lead test assemblies with 3D-printed bottom nozzles to Southern Nuclear’s Farley nuclear power plant in Alabama. According to Westinghouse President of Nuclear Fuel Tarik Choho, additive manufacturing technology (or 3D printing) is allowing them to achieve breakthrough performances, mitigating the risk of leakage in the fuel rods due to the accumulation of debris and thus strengthening the safety and efficiency of operations, as debris-wearing action on the fuel rod cladding is the main source of leaks in pressurized water reactor (PWR) fuel assemblies. In testing, the 3D-printed components improved debris resistance by 30%, from 65% to 96%, thanks to the enhanced design freedom and the simplified manufacturing process that additive manufacturing grants.