BWX Technologies has activated its Chemical Vapor Infiltration (CVI) furnace, a key technology for densifying TRISO particles particles with precision. This facility marks the completion of the technical process required for the continuous production of encapsulated uranium nitride, intended to fuel future fourth-generation reactors in the United States.
The commissioning of this furnace is part of the Advanced Reactor Demonstration Program (ARDP). Advanced Reactor Demonstration Program (ARDP), a program of the U.S. Department of Energy.BWXT has integrated this capability within its advanced technologies facility, expanding its TRISO production line with a range of tools including computed tomography scanners and additive manufacturing techniques.
Nuclear fuel optimized for high efficiency
The new fuel manufactured by BWXT is based on TRISO particles coated with carbon and silicon carbide layers, now combined with uranium nitride. This configuration allows a higher concentration of uranium per unit volume, improving performance and extending the lifetime of microreactors and small modular systems.
BWXT is already supplying fuel to key projects such as the Department of Defense’s Department of Defense’s Project Pele. With this new capability, it will also supply the BANR high-temperature microreactor program. The company maintains collaborations with national laboratories such as Idaho and Oak Ridge to certify and test this dense nuclear fuel, reinforcing its role in the energy supply chain.
Commercial outlook and future expansion
In addition to technical support, BWXT has established partnerships with the state of Wyoming to evaluate the infrastructure needed for TRISO scale production. This strategic approach aims to position BWXT as a leading supplier in a market that demands safe, compact and efficient power solutions for a variety of civil and military applications.
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Source and photos: BWX Technologies
