Spent-fuel behavior in water pools

This paper deals with the major question, How long can water reactor spent fuel be stored in water, from the standpoint of fuel rod cladding integrity. Evidence to date (1980) from the United States and other countries on spent fuel with zircaloy and stainless steel cladding is described. That evidence includes findings from theoretical studies, data from operating experience, and results from detailed examinations of irradiated fuel rods. Current efforts at the Pacific Northwest Laboratory under the Spent Fuel and Fuel Pool Component Integrity Program, which is sponsored by United States Department of Energy, are discussed. Hot cell examinations are currently underway in that program; initial results from two Shippingport fuel bundles (zircaloy cladding) and one Connecticut Yankee fuel assembly (stainless steel cladding) are presented. The Shippingport fuel being examined is the world's oldest pool-stored zircaloy-clad fuel.