Fact Sheets

one of two nuclear fuel manufacturers in Canada
operates a licensed fuel manufacturing facility at Port Hope and a specialty metal fabrication plant at Cobourg 10 kilometres away
capacity to produce 1,200 tonnes of uranium annually as finished fuel
produces natural uranium dioxide (UO₂) fuel bundles for Candu reactors
largest Canadian-based supplier of reactor components to Candu operators in Canada and around the world
supplier of specialized metals and fabrication services
provides consulting services and technology transfer to Candu operators around the world
quality assurance program meets CSA Z299.1 standard
ISO 9001:2000 certified
about 320 people are employed by Zircatec at its Port Hope and Cobourg plants

2007		CNSC grants five-year licence renewal
2006		acquired by Cameco
2005		produces its one millionth Candu fuel bundle
1988		purchased by a group of Canadian investors and renamed Zircatec Precision Industries Inc.
1970		expands business to supply reactor components
1965		begins commercial production of fuel bundles for Candu reactors
1964		acquired by Westinghouse Canada Ltd.
1957		American Machine and Foundry establishes a facility at Port Hope to research and develop fuels to support Canada’s nuclear energy program

Zircatec processes uranium dioxide to produce pellets and assembles fuel bundles at its Port Hope site. The Cobourg site manufactures the zircaloy components and tubing for the bundles.

Uranium Dioxide Process

Uranium dioxide (UO₂) powder is delivered to Zircatec by truck in 45-gallon drums. The material is put into processing containers and then blended to condition the powder
UO₂ powder is compressed in a die to produce cylindrical pellets
Pellets pass through a high-temperature electric sintering furnace with a hydrogen atmosphere to convert them to a hard, high-density ceramic
Pellets are ground under liquid coolant to precise dimensions
Pellets are loaded into a fuel tube which is sealed by welded end caps
Fuel tubes are assembled into bundles and zircaloy end plates are attached by resistance welding
After inspection and cleaning, the fuel assemblies are packaged for shipment

Zircaloy Components

The zircaloy tubes used in fuel bundles and component parts are manufactured at Cobourg facility. Component parts are manufactured through standard metal-working processes.

Minimizing waste and recycling is an important part of Zircatec’s waste management program. Where possible, recoverable scrap is reprocessed back into the product chain. A comprehensive waste management program is in place to control the disposal of solid wastes and liquid hydrocarbon wastes contaminated by radioactive materials. All solids are decontaminated where possible.

Through a program of segregation, monitoring and compaction, the volume of waste being generated is controlled. All hazardous wastes are removed for disposal by a licensed waste hauler in compliance with the applicable regulations.

Safety is a top priority at Zircatec operations

Zircatec strives to provide a safe and healthy workplace, and to protect the environment. Emissions from Zircatec are far below regulatory limits and the annual radiation dose to workers is well below the regulatory limits.

Cameco Web Site

December 4, 2008

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