In-Pile Loop Study of UO₂-NaK Slurry

The effect of fission on circulating a UO₂-NaK suspension has been studied up to a total uranium burnup of 0.07%. A loop of one-half inch stainless steel tubing with a test volume of 250 cc was irradiated in the Argonne CP-5 reactor. The loop contained 5% vol. (40% wt) 93.14% enriched UO₂ suspended in NaK alloy and was operated for 902 hr at temperatures above 350°C. No difficulty was encountered during the operation of the loop in the reactor. Examination of the slurry after irradiation showed extensive comminution of the UO₂ particles. Analytical results after termination of the experiment revealed the distribution of some fission products. 45.5% of the krypton and xenon fission gases were found in the cover gas. 82% of the cesium was found dissolved in the NaK. Cerium and zirconium were found with the UO₂.