CRITICALITY SAFETY ANALYSIS OF GBC-32 SPENT FUEL CASK WITH IMPROVED NEUTRON ABSORBER CONCEPT

Higher enrichment of nuclear fuel along the manufacturing limit boron content in steel and aluminum alloys represents a significant challenge designing spent transport storage facilities. One possible solution for pools casks is burnup credit method that allows decreasing very high safety margins associated with fresh assumption An alternative based on placing neutron absorber material directly into assembly proposed here. A permanently fixed guide tubes decreases system reactivity more efficiently than sheets between assemblies. The efficiency newly concept demonstrated criticality analysis GBC-32 cask. Absorber rods from 8 different elements are placed within Westinghouse OFA 17x17 tubes. Currently used good option because absorption cross section, low atomic mass chemical compatibility various alloys. Alternative options (e.g., Sm, Eu, Gd, Dy, Hf, Re, Ir) absorbers do not require alloy since can be inside zirconium or cladding. Because concept, BORAL decreased to competitive economics. Moreover, pitch investigated order change cask wall inner diameter will result lower consumption same shielding thickness.