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IBC Advanced Alloys Corp. (CVE:IB) reports that it has signed collaborative research agreements with both Purdue University and Texas Engineering Experiment Station to further advance its beryllium oxide (BeO) nuclear fuels R&D project.
The press release is quoted as saying:
The R&D is focused on developing a high thermal conductivity BeO nuclear fuel for both current and future nuclear power reactors that is more efficient and safer than existing nuclear fuels. The project’s objective is to commercialize the intellectual property (the “IP”) and to position IBC as an essential part of the nuclear industry’s supply chain.
IBC Alloys’ VP of Nuclear Fuel, Jim Malone says:
“We are very pleased to have entered into this next phase of collaborative R&D with Purdue and Texas A&M to develop our BeO nuclear fuel.”
“The events in Japan graphically illustrate why IBC remains committed to nuclear technology and to supporting efforts to improve the safety and efficiency of the nuclear industry. IBC’s enhanced BeO fuel could have been beneficial in Japan.” “as its high thermal conductivity would have allowed a more efficient mechanism for heat dissemination thereby reducing stresses on fuel cladding and providing more response time for reactor operators.””IBC plans to irradiate fuel specimens, most likely at the Idaho Falls test reactor, within the next R&D period,” said Malone. “These tests are an essential step in gathering data to validate the fuel’s behaviour under various conditions. This information will be used to support the process of obtaining U.S. NRC approval to deploy Lead Test Assemblies in an operating power plant. Working with industry partners, including GNF.””IBC is looking forward to commercializing this IP and to validating IBC’s upstream resource base.”
Click here to access the entire news release.