Year
2000
Abstract
Los Alamos National Laboratory (LANL) had been tasked to produce mixed oxide (MOX) fuel test assemblies to support the Department of Energy’s (DOE) plan for surplus plutonium disposition. Simulation modeling and analysis was conducted to support decision making and process analysis needs as part of the LANL MOX fuel production line design efforts. A discrete-event computer simulation model of the proposed MOX pellet fabrication line was constructed and exercised. The pellet line model allows systematic evaluation of various process issues including equipment needs, basic resource loading requirements, in-line storage, bottlenecks, and production schedule sensitivity under different operating conditions. The model includes all the primary process steps in the MOX fuel production cycle. Preliminary analyses using the pellet line model focused on the effect that different input conditions have on the overall pellet production schedule. Trends and observations relating to various process conditions and process steps were compiled. This paper describes the model and summarizes the preliminary analysis results and observations.