PNNL

Abstract

Thin-walled, high-density lithium aluminate pellets are challenging to manufacture for nuclear reactor applications. The key to scale-up of production was the development of flowable, high density, lithium aluminate powder that permitted (1) automated isostatic pressing, (2) low compaction during pressing, (3) low shrinkage during firing, (4) elimination of chlorine-containing fumed alumina and (5) near-net shape forming. A triple spray drying process was developed that included: (I) a unique-feedstock blend cycle, (II) a post-calcination grinding cycle, and (III) a high- pH final cycle with high solids loading slurry that was spray dried into flowable high-density spheres with large, uniform diameters. Today, pellet manufacturing at a rate of more than 400,000 per year is possible.