Initial phase of Pu-238 production in Idaho National Laboratory

Urban-Klaehn, Jagoda M.; Miller, D.; Gross, Brian; Tyler, Craig; Dwight, C.C.

doi:10.1016/j.apradiso.2020.109517

Cited by 7 publications

(4 citation statements)

References 2 publications

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“…The isotope 238 Pu is a common impurity in 237 Np oxide and metal samples, originating dominantly from the irradiation of 237 Np. The irradiation of 237 Np targets is used to produce 238 Pu for radioisotope thermoelectric power sources . Compared to Doyle’s previously reported 237 Np material, which had a 238 Pu/ 239 Pu atom ratio of 2.767, the sample we measured contained significantly less 238 Pu relative to other plutonium isotopes, with a measured 238 Pu/ 239 Pu atom ratio of 0.04454(59).…”

Section: Resultscontrasting

confidence: 55%

“…The irradiation of 237 Np targets is used to produce 238 Pu for radioisotope thermoelectric power sources. 25 Compared to Doyle's previously reported 237 Np material, which had a 238 Pu/ 239 Pu atom ratio of 2.767, 22 the sample we measured contained significantly less 238 Pu relative to other plutonium isotopes, with a measured 238 Pu/ 239 Pu atom ratio of 0.04454(59). A high level of 238 Pu contamination would be undesirable in the metal sphere for the critical assembly because of its self-heating properties and high fission crosssection.…”

Section: T H Imentioning

confidence: 99%

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Trace Actinide Signatures of a Bulk Neptunium Sample

et al. 2023

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In nuclear forensic analyses, measurements of actinide elements in a sample can assist with identifying interdicted or unknown materials. While these radiochemical signatures have been extensively investigated in uranium materials, less is known about bulk neptunium samples. This paper describes the measurement of trace actinide concentrations and isotopic profiles in a 237Np oxide sample. Uranium, plutonium, americium, and curium concentrations and isotopic profiles in the sample were determined and deemed potentially useful for distinguishing different sources of 237Np. Several different potential radiochronometry systems were also investigated; discordant results indicate that the Np sample was never completely purified of other actinide elements, or that subsequent contamination of the sample occurred. Few prior studies of neptunium materials have been reported, and these data suggest that trace actinide constituents could provide unique signatures to identify material out of regulatory control.

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Section: Resultscontrasting

confidence: 55%

Section: T H Imentioning

confidence: 99%

Trace Actinide Signatures of a Bulk Neptunium Sample

et al. 2023

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“…In a completely different domain, 237 Np is the parent isotope for the production of plutonium-238 ( 238 Pu), which is the preferred isotope for radioisotope thermoelectric generators (RTGs), used since the earliest days of space exploration and still in use for today’s spatial missions far from the Sun. 238 Pu has a high-power density, an almost total absence of penetrating γ radiation and a relatively long half-life of 87.7 years. ,, Production of 238 Pu proceeds via neutron irradiation of 237 NpO 2 -bearing targets. ,− …”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Speciation and Ammonia-Induced Precipitation of Neptunium and Uranium Ions

et al. 2023

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The pH evolution and corresponding changes in the UV−Vis−NIR absorption spectra of oxygenated neptunium (NpO 2 + and NpO 2 2+) and uranyl ions (UO 2 2+ ) in nitric acid are investigated during titration with an aqueous NH 3 solution. The speciation and precipitation regimes between acidic (pH 1.5) and alkaline (pH 10) conditions at room temperature are discussed to assess the suitability of Np(V) or Np(VI) in sol−gel conversion processes for fuel target fabrication. Under the applied experimental conditions, Np(V) hydrolyzes and precipitates into the insoluble hydroxide NpO 2 OH only above pH values 7.5 and an increase up to pH 10.0 is required to precipitate quantitatively. Np(VI) displays changes in the coordination environment of NpO 2 2+ ions in the pH interval 1.6− 4.0, similar to what is observed for U(VI). Precipitation into NpO 3 •H 2 O or other hydroxide compounds takes place between pH 4.0 and 5.9, which overlaps largely with precipitation of ammonium diuranate species from the U(VI) solution. The use of concentrated NH 3 aqueous solution, as commonly used in the external gelation process, will allow to quantitatively precipitate both Np(V) and Np(VI) species. Internal gelation process conditions, on the other hand, seem incompatible with the high pH required to precipitate Np(V) completely. For fabricating mixed-oxide (U,Np) targets using sol−gel conversion, a feed broth containing Np(VI) and U(VI) will be required to achieve homogeneous gelation.

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“…RTG systems have been found to be reliable, uninterruptable energy sources; however, they have low specific power (~2.4 W/kg to 8.1 W/kg) and many safety concerns (Hendricks et al, 2019;Durka et al, 2022). RTGs generally utilize Plutonium-238 oxide as a fuel with a half-life of 88 years to generate the residual heat and produce electrical power (Gusev et al, 2011;Urban-Klaehn et al, 2021). RTGs have historically experienced no known failure issues since they have no moving parts that can fail or wear out, and they perform well until the radioactive energy source decays (Ehrenfried, 2022;Energy, 2022).…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Assessment of the calendar aging of lithium-ion batteries for a long-term—Space missions

et al. 2023

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Energy availability is a critical challenge for space missions, especially for those missions designed to last many decades. Space satellites have depended on various combinations of radioisotope thermoelectric generators (RGTs), solar arrays, and batteries for power. For deep space missions lasting as long as 50 + years, batteries will also be needed for applications when there is no sunlight and RTGs cannot support peak power demand due to their insufficient specific power. This paper addresses the potential use of lithium-ion batteries for long-term space missions. Using data collected from the literature and internal experiments, a calendar aging model is developed to assess the capacity fade as a function of temperature, state-of-charge and time. The results for various LIB chemistries are used to identify the best candidate chemistries and determine the conditions, with a focus on low temperatures, that can best enable deep space missions.

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Initial phase of Pu-238 production in Idaho National Laboratory

Cited by 7 publications

References 2 publications

Trace Actinide Signatures of a Bulk Neptunium Sample

Trace Actinide Signatures of a Bulk Neptunium Sample

Speciation and Ammonia-Induced Precipitation of Neptunium and Uranium Ions

Assessment of the calendar aging of lithium-ion batteries for a long-term—Space missions

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