Fuel Kernels
At the center of TRISO particles is a spherical uranium-bearing kernel. TRISO-X is currently capable of making the following uranium bearing nuclear fuel kernels:
Uranium dioxide, Uranium dicarbide (UCO)
The UCO kernel is the flagship uranium particle of the TRISO-X fuel fabrication. The UCO kernel is a solid-state solution of uranium dioxide and uranium carbide that builds off of the success of the Department of Energy (DOE) Advanced Gas Reactor (AGR). The UCO kernel uses the addition of a carbide phase to solve previously observed issues with other kernel chemistries and allow for higher burn-ups than other fuel type. TRISO-X has built off the work of previous programs to fabricate high-quality, high throughput particles using our patented processing technology.
Uranium Carbide (UC)
Uranium carbide is a hard refractory ceramic that has a storied history as the first fuel used high temperature gas-cooled reactors. Uranium carbide kernels feature a high density, high uranium content, ultra-high melting temperature, and are easily mixed with other actinoids (Thorium or plutonium). TRISO-X has refined the fabrication process to tailor the physical properties of the UC kernel for each specific advanced reactors need.
Uranium Dicarbide (UC2)
Uranium dicarbide is one of several stoichiometry's of uranium carbide. Similarly to UC, UC2 is a hard refractory has been vastly used high temperature gas-cooled reactors. UC2 kernels have a higher carbon content than UC but also feature a high density, ultra-high melting temperature, and are easily mixed with other actinoids (Thorium or plutonium). TRISO-X has developed a first of a kind, one step fabrication process to achieve higher kernel densities while processing at much lower temperatures.
Uranium Dioxide (UO2)
Uranium dioxide (UO2) is the most widely used uranium chemistry for nuclear fuel. Both historic and current high-temperature gas-cooled reactors throughout the world use UO2 as the nuclear fuel kernel. TRISO-X has built on the legacy of UO2 kernels and has the ability to tailor the size, density, and even grain structure to meet the needs of each specific application.
“We’ve reinvented the most robust & safe nuclear fuel on earth”
Dr. Pete Pappano
President, TRISO-X
We’re Hiring
Developing state-of-the-art, high technology solutions for reactors and fuel requires both traditional nuclear and non-traditional engineering skills and experience. We’re looking for capabilities in solution development, multi-disciplinary analysis, systems engineering, facility design, test planning, logistics, management, and system integration.