On-Line Sequestration of Fission Product Gases in Operating Nuclear Reactors

A research program is outlined to theoretically and experimentally establish the effectiveness and acceptability of on-line sequestering of fission product gases (FPGs) as they are generated in a fissile fuel pin using adsorbents and/or molecular sieves selectively distributed within the lower spring-plenum region of the LWR fuel. If successful this innovation can be implemented in existing and next generation LWRs and may: • reduce accident source term (releasable FPGs); • enhance reactor safety and acceptance; • extend fuel life suppressing clad swelling and fuel failure; • reduce thermal neutron poisons in high flux core regions; • improve operational and economical performance; • require only minor changes to fuel pin assembly and use; • use in LWRs with no license or tech-specifications impact.