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Nuclear

FBD and ZYFB-6 are porous, but denser forms of vacuum-formed YSZ, yttria-stabilized zirconia fibers, that researchers have used in nuclear reactor cores. The neutron irradiation resistance, low thermal conductivity, and high strength make Zircar’s zirconia fiber boards the nuclear material of choice in several tests.

LOFT (Loss of Fluid Tests) at Idaho National lab were a success using just 1” thickness of FBD. High temperature melt-down due to loss of fluid was tested with fuel bundle peak temperatures in excess of the melting temperature of 2810K. The zircaloy shroud was melted and reacted with the uranium oxide, but the FBD YSZ insulation was penetrated by that melt, filled the fibrous pores, cooled, and solidified, creating a ceramic melt blockage preventing further penetration of the melt into the insulator or damaging any external features of the reactor.

Buster insulation has also been used for insulation in a series of Monte Carlo Neutron Particle MCNP tests, showing that one inch of the insulation provided virtually no neutron shielding against neutrons, making it ideal for future testing and use.

Setup of experimental equipment: a blue fixture connected to a power supply and a cylindrical sensor device in a lab environment.Diagram labeled with components of a thermal reactor system, highlighting key parts like support rods, insulation, and heaters, for engineering reference.

ZYFB-6, FBD, and various compositions and densities of Buster Insulation are in stock, and samples are available for testing.

Conducted at Idaho National Lab, the LOFT experiments achieved remarkable success using just 1″ of FBD insulation. Despite experiencing fuel bundle peak temperatures exceeding 2810K, the FBD YSZ insulation effectively resisted meltdown. The zircaloy shroud melted and reacted with uranium oxides, yet the molten material was contained within the fibrous pores of the FBD, cooling and solidifying to create a protective ceramic barrier.

Our Buster insulation has also been essential in MCNP tests. It demonstrated that a 1″ thickness provided minimal neutron shielding, offering ideal conditions for testing scenarios where limited neutron interaction is beneficial.

Setup of experimental equipment: a blue fixture connected to a power supply and a cylindrical sensor device in a lab environment.Diagram labeled with components of a thermal reactor system, highlighting key parts like support rods, insulation, and heaters, for engineering reference.
ZYFB-6, FBD, and various compositions and densities of Buster Insulation are in stock, and samples are available for testing.