b'Accomplishments Figure 1. Rodlet End Welding The most critical fuel performanceSystem (REWS).data needs are typically associated with time dependent evolution and end-of-life fuel properties and behavior.However, the in-situ instrumentation required to collect that data is rarely robust enough to function effectively through the entire life cycle of a test.As such, the ability to extract fuel from the reactor and install instrumentation at the critical testing points is an essential capability.This capability (including techniques and infrastructure) was first developed at the INL in support(AMET) and INL. The REWS will have of transient and steady state testingprogrammable controls, a purge enclo-but was shelved in the 1980s whensure for decreased porosity, cross seam US investment in advanced lightservo with approximately seventeen inch water reactor (LWR) technologytravel, high frequency or touch start arc waned.International partners likeinitiation capabilities, and through hole Halden subsequently adopted theseheadstock to enable longer rodlets with tools and built robust research anddiameters between one-quarter inch and development (R&D) missions aroundone-half inch. AMET is also fabricating them. The revival of US interest inthe In Cell Weld Under Pressure System advanced LWR technology (e.g.,(ICWUPS) (Figure 2). The ICWUPS will burnup extension and ATF) coupledhave programmable controls, the ability with the closure of internationalto pressurize rodlets from 2 Mpa (290 facilities (like Halden and OSIRIS)psi) to 15.5 Mpa (2250 psi) with inert calls for the recovery of these capa- atmosphere, wand ill have horizontal bilities to support domestic priorities.rod loading with vertical weld position. The basic re-fabrication system orThese systems will be installed in HFEF Rodlet Endcap Welding System (REWS),in the decontamination cell at window (see Figure 1) has completed detailed5D. Both systems are anticipated to be requirements and design in coordina- delivered and setup in North Holmes tion with Automated Welding SystemsLaboratory (NHL) the end of September 2020 to for mockup testing.2020|AFC ACCOMPLISHMENTS 147'