US-based nuclear components and fuel company BWX Technologies (BWXT) is in the process of restarting its Triso nuclear fuel production line and is planning to expand existing capacity within 12 months.
The company said expansion of its Triso fuel production capability will position it to meet “emergent client interests” in Department of Defence microreactors, space reactors, and civil advanced reactors.
The company said expansion of its Triso fuel production capability will position it to meet “emergent client interests” in Department of Defence microreactors, space reactors, and civil advanced reactors.
Triso, a shortened form of the term tristructural-isotropic, refers to a specific design of uranium nuclear reactor fuel. Tristructural refers to the layers of coatings surrounding the uranium fuel, and isotropic refers to the kernel being the same size in each direction since it takes the shape of a sphere.
Triso fuel can withstand extreme heat and has very low proliferation concerns and environmental risks, BWXT said.
BWXT and the US Department of Energy have cooperated in the development and qualification of Triso-based fuel for more than 15 years.
