Abstract: Disclosed are a method and an apparatus for producing a uranium foil with fine crystalline granules by forming the foil by the gravitational dropping of molten uranium or uranium alloy and rapidly cooling the foil by the contact with cooling rolls, and a foil produced thereby. In accordance with the present invention, a high-purity and high-quality uranium foil with an isotropic structure and fine crystalline granules is easily produced via a simple process without requiring hot rolling and heat treatment processes. The surface of the foil is prevented from oxidizing and residual stress is not imparted to the foil. The productivity and the economic efficiency of the foil are improved.

Abstract: Disclosed are a method and an apparatus for continuously casting a uranium rod so that impurities generated in melting the metallic substance reduced from nuclear spent fuel are easily removed, the molten metal is easily degassed, the oxidation of uranium is prevented, and the molten metal does not remain in a crucible, thereby completely removing the noxious gas, improving the safety of work, allowing the workers to be close to the apparatus, reducing the consumption rate of the inert gas, completely preventing the oxidation of uranium, and being remotely controlled.

Abstract: Disclosed are a method and an apparatus for continuously casting a uranium rod so that impurities generated in melting the metallic substance reduced from nuclear spent fuel are easily removed, the molten metal is easily degassed, the oxidation of uranium is prevented, and the molten metal does not remain in a crucible, thereby completely removing the noxious gas, improving the safety of work, allowing the workers to be close to the apparatus, reducing the consumption rate of the inert gas, completely preventing the oxidation of uranium, and being remotely controlled.

Abstract: Disclosed are a method and an apparatus for producing a uranium foil with fine crystalline granules by forming the foil by the gravitational dropping of molten uranium or uranium alloy and rapidly cooling the foil by the contact with cooling rolls, and a foil produced thereby. In accordance with the present invention, a high-purity and high-quality uranium foil with an isotropic structure and fine crystalline granules is easily produced via a simple process without requiring hot rolling and heat treatment processes. The surface of the foil is prevented from oxidizing and residual stress is not imparted to the foil. The productivity and the economic efficiency of the foil are improved.

Abstract: The present invention is concerned with the fabrication process of low or high enrichment uranium and uranium alloy foil, and the fabrication apparatus therefor. Uranium (U) and uranium alloy [U—(A)Q—(B)X—(C)Y (Q: Al, Fe, Ni, Si, Cr, Zr element, X: Al, Fe, Ni, Si, Cr, Zr element, Y: Al, Fe, Ni, Si, Cr, Zr element, Q≠X≠Y, (A)≦1 wt %, (B)≦1 wt %, (C)≦1 wt %)] foil are directly obtained from a melt, not through a vacuum induction melting & casting, ingot cutting, hot-rolling and heat-treatment process, but through melt spinning or a twin-roll casting process. Major advantages have been obtained as follows: 1) a simplified process without the hot-rolling process and heat-treatment process, 2) an improvement in productivity and process economics in foil fabrication, and 3) a high purity and a high quality of the foil.

Abstract: The invention is directed to a high-density dispersion nuclear fuel having spherical particles of an uranium alloy dispersed in a nonfissionable matrix. The alloy includes uranium and 4-9 wt % Q, wherein Q is selected from the group consisting of Mo, Nb, and Zr. A process of manufacturing the spherical particles is also disclosed.