5. Conclusion

The significant experience feedback accumulated since the start of particle fuel development, in terms of manufacturing, understanding in-service behavior and reprocessing solutions, gives us a relatively accurate idea of the fuel for a Generation IV VHTR-type system:

• TRISO" particles with a core manufactured using a sol-gel process and coated with ceramic layers deposited by CVD qualified to withstand high combustion rates or burn-up (up to 200 GWj/t _ML ) and very high temperatures (up to 1,300 ˚C in nominal conditions and 1,600 ˚C in accidental conditions);

• enhanced, automated quality control of these particles, ensuring a high degree of confidence in their performance under irradiation and minimizing the risk of contamination during reprocessing operations;...