Equipment for the Dissolution of Core Material From Sheared Power Reactor Fuels.

Groenier, W.S.

doi:10.2172/4008629

Cited by 3 publications

(1 citation statement)

References 4 publications

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“…However, there is no standard contactor equipment at the time of this writing. DOE reports have been reviewed in this subject (Groenier, 1971).…”

Section: Physicochemical Phenomenamentioning

confidence: 99%

Plant-Level Modeling and Simulation of Used Nuclear Fuel Dissolution

Almeida

2012

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Plant-level modeling and simulation of a used nuclear fuel prototype dissolver is presented. Emphasis is given in developing a modeling and simulation approach to be explored by other processes involved in the recycle of used fuel. The commonality concepts presented in a previous communication were used to create a model and realize its software module. An initial model was established based on a theory of chemical thermomechanical network transport outlined previously. A software module prototype was developed with the required external behavior and internal mathematical structure.Results obtained demonstrate the generality of the design approach and establish an extensible mathematical model with its corresponding software module for a wide range of dissolvers. Scale up numerical tests were made varying the type of used fuel (breeder and light-water reactors) and the capacity of dissolution (0.5 t d −1 to 1.7 t d −1 ). These tests were motivated by user requirements in the area of nuclear materials safeguards. A computer module written in high-level programing languages (MATLAB and Octave) was developed, tested, and provided as open-source code (MATLAB) for integration into the Separations and Safeguards Performance Model application in development at Sandia National Laboratories.The modeling approach presented here is intended to serve as a template for a rational modeling of all plant-level modules. This will facilitate the practical application of the commonality features underlying the unifying network transport theory proposed recently. In addition, by example, this model describes, explicitly, the needed data from sub-scale models, and logical extensions for future model development. For example, from thermodynamics, an off-line simulation of molecular dynamics could quantify partial molar volumes for the species in the liquid phase; this simulation is currently at reach for high-performance computing. From fluid mechanics, a holdup capacity function is needed for the dissolver device; this simulation is currently at reach for computational fluid mechanics given the existing CAD geometry. From chemical transport phenomena, a simulation of the particle-scale dissolution front is needed to derive an improved solid dissolution kinetics law by predicting the local surface area change; an example was provided in this report. In addition, the associated reaction mechanisms for dissolution are presently largely untested and simplified, hence even a parallel experimental program in reaction kinetics is needed to support modeling and simulation efforts. Last but not least, a simple account of finite rates of solid feed and transfer can be readily introduced via a coupled delayed model.

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“…However, there is no standard contactor equipment at the time of this writing. DOE reports have been reviewed in this subject (Groenier, 1971).…”

Section: Physicochemical Phenomenamentioning

confidence: 99%

Plant-Level Modeling and Simulation of Used Nuclear Fuel Dissolution

Almeida

2012

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Nuclear Reactors, Chemical Reprocessing

Godfrey¹,

Hall²,

Townes³

2000

Kirk-Othmer Encyclopedia of Chemical Technology

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The chemical reprocessing of discharged nuclear reactor fuel allows the large quantities of energy found in uranium and plutonium to be recycled back to the reactors while separating out the fission products as a waste stream. The PUREX process, used to recycle nuclear reactor fuel, was developed as part of the U.S. defense program. This process is described. The world's principal fuel reprocessing centers are located in the U.K., France, and Japan. Smaller units are operating in India. No chemical reprocessing takes place in the United States. Chemical reprocessing involves fuel decladding, mechanically cutting or shearing the tubing in which the nuclear fuel is encapsulated, and fuel dissolution, prior to chemical separation of the nonradioactive materials, the fission products, and the unburned fuel. Several types of countercurrent solvent extraction equipment are used to separate the useful components. The uranium and plutonium products are converted to oxides from which recycle fuel is fabricated. The wastes are safely stored for future disposal.

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Current headend technologies and future developments in the reprocessing of spent nuclear fuels

Maher

2015

Reprocessing and Recycling of Spent Nuclear Fuel

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Equipment for the Dissolution of Core Material From Sheared Power Reactor Fuels.

Cited by 3 publications

References 4 publications

Plant-Level Modeling and Simulation of Used Nuclear Fuel Dissolution

Plant-Level Modeling and Simulation of Used Nuclear Fuel Dissolution

Nuclear Reactors, Chemical Reprocessing

Current headend technologies and future developments in the reprocessing of spent nuclear fuels

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