Feasibility study on powder flowability evaluation on simplified pelletizing MOX fuel fabrication process using vibrating capillary method; Influence of particle shape and diameter on flowability

Ishii, Katsunori ; Suzuki, Masahiro ; Yamamoto, Takuma; Kihara, Yoshiyuki; Matsusaka, Shuji*; Yasuda, Masatoshi*; Suna, Takayuki*; Kurita, Tsutomu ; Kato, Yoshiyuki 

JAEA is developing simplified pelletizing MOX fuel fabrication process for fast breeder reactor. The final product of de-nitration, conversion and granulation process, are MOX fuel particles, of which diameter is hundres micrometer. These particles should have high flowability for easy handling in next process. The powder flowability is now evaluated by Carr's flowability index. In this oral presentation, the feasibility of powder flowability evaluation using vibrationg capillary method is investigated, employing ZrO particles of shich parameters are diameter and particle shape (shapes are varied by gronding particle edge). Screening small particles under about 100 micrometer contribute best the improvement of powder flowability, screening small particle under 50 micrometer in the second, and rounding particle shape in the third.