How VTR
is Fueled

How VTR is Fueled

Fuel to Power Innovation

The Versatile Test Reactor (VTR) will be the nation’s only large-scale, advanced fast-neutron source for endurance testing of nuclear fuels, sensors and materials. The 300-megawatt (thermal) reactor will produce roughly 100 times the neutron flux and 20 times the neutron damage rate of current water-cooled research/test reactors. To produce these fast neutrons, VTR will require special fuel designed to meet research specifications while also operating safely and efficiently. VTR will not produce electricity.

Fuel to Power Innovation

The Versatile Test Reactor (VTR) will be the nation’s only large-scale, advanced fast-neutron source for endurance testing of nuclear fuels, sensors and materials. The 300-megawatt (thermal) reactor will produce roughly 100 times the neutron flux and 20 times the neutron damage rate of current water-cooled research/test reactors. To produce these fast neutrons, VTR will require special fuel designed to meet research specifications while also operating safely and efficiently. VTR will not produce electricity.

%

Uranium

%

Plutonium

%

Zirconium

The “driver fuel” (the fuel that powers the reactor) is a metallic fuel alloy of uranium, plutonium and zirconium (U-20Pu-10Zr) — a combination necessary to generate large numbers of fast neutrons.

How much fuel does VTR need?

VTR will require approximately 1,800 kilograms (kg) of heavy-metal fuel annually.
Uranium: up to 1,400 kg annually
Plutonium: up to 400 kg annually

Where does VTR get
its fuel?

Uranium: Existing U.S. Dept. of Energy stockpiles and commercial vendors
Plutonium: Existing U.S. Dept. of Energy stockpiles

How much fuel does VTR need?

VTR will require approximately 1,800 kilograms (kg) of heavy-metal fuel annually.

Uranium: up to 1,400 kg annually
Plutonium: up to 400 kg annually

Where does VTR get its fuel?

Uranium: Existing U.S. Dept. of Energy stockpiles and commercial vendors
Plutonium: Existing U.S. Dept. of Energy stockpiles

Contact:

Laura.Scheele@inl.gov

         
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