Four-Batch Fuel Management with Plutonium Recycling

Pressurized water reactor four-batch fuel management represents, in the present context, an economic optimum for the French standardized series of reactors. Plutonium recycling on an industrial scale has already started in France; therefore, it is essential to ascertain its compatibility with four-batch refueling requirements. In the survey considered, it is shown that a core refueled annually with 28 UO₂ assemblies, having a 3.7% ²³⁵ U content and 12 mixed-oxide assemblies containing 6.5% plutonium, entirely satisfies safety criteria under normal operating conditions. A supplementary survey will be performed to assess its behavior under such accident conditions as steam line break and rod ejection.