Abstract
The flowability of coarse particles has been experimentally investigated using the vibrating tube method, to evaluate the applicability of this method to MOX (mixed oxide of PuO2 and UO2) particles which are nuclear fuel used for electric power production. Five sizes of non-radioactive model particles, smaller than 850 μm, made of ZrO2 were prepared, and the experiments were carried out using vibrating tubes with an outlet diameter from 2 to 4 mm. The outlet diameter significantly affected the flowability measurements. When using the tube with a 4-mm-outlet diameter, the flowability of all the model particles was successfully measured. The inclination angle of the tube also affected the flowability measurements. The critical vibration acceleration to make the particles flow, which was a factor for evaluating the flowability, was correlated with Carr’s flowability index. Because of the advantages of high sensitivity, short measurement time, simple structure, and easy operation, the vibrating tube method is expected to be applied to the remote flowability measurement of the MOX particles.
