This small simple-looking structure beside the Ottawa River belies a deep subterranean complex of nuclear power plant and equipment

The metalworking behind our first nuclear power station — Part 4

Even the fuel is machined to ±0.0005 in.

by James A. Weller

When the power station goes into operation next fall it will employ nearly twenty tons of small precision machined uranium pellets which will be contained in nearly 7 miles of precision Zircaloy tubing

in the form of 7- and 19-element bundles. A full complement of fuel consists of 720 of the 7 element bundles and 468 of the 19 element bundles. The bundles have to be made with extreme care and precision. If even a minute crack in one of the elements were to pass unnoticed, not only could the

entire cooling system become contaminated with radio-activity, but rapid corrosion could occur due to ingress of moisture into the element. The bundles will remain in the reactor for a period varying between 1 and 2 years before being retired to the spent fuel bay. Here's how the fuel bundles are made up.

A completed fuel bundle consists of four major components;
1. Uranium oxide pellets (fuel material)
2. Precision Zircaloy tubing (fuel containers)
3. Zircaloy end plugs (tube seals)
4. Zircaloy end plates (tube positioners)

Know why nuclear power is vital to Canada?

  • We are near the economic limit of our hydro-electric potential
  • We import much of our power station coal (we spent $88,000,000 in 1958)
  • We have lots of uranium (6-oz. uranium pellet gives heat equivalent of 6,000 lb coal)
  • Our remote areas need self-contained power stations for economic development
  • If we can get ahead and keep ahead the world will come to us for nuclear power equipment and know-how.



    • - Part 4 page 1 -

    Table of Contents

    Part 3 - Machined Assemblies

    Part 4 page 2

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