The IFR fuel cycle demonstration

McFarlane, H.F.; Lineberry, M.J.

doi:10.1016/0149-1970(96)00009-1

Cited by 30 publications

(8 citation statements)

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“…Electrorefining is the most developed pyrochemical separation process which is used in the USA for sodium-cooled fast breeder reactor metallic fuels in the IFR (Integral Fast Reactor) concept [1]. In this process, uranium is separated from the bulk of fission products by electrolysis in a molten salt electrolyte onto a solid inert cathode.…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

On the formation of U–Al alloys in the molten LiCl–KCl eutectic

Cassayre

Caravaca

Jardin³

et al. 2008

Journal of Nuclear Materials

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U-Al alloy formation has been studied in the temperature range of 400 -550 °C by electrochemical techniques in the molten LiCl-KCl eutectic. Cyclic voltammetry showed that underpotential reduction of U(III) onto solid Al occurs at a potential about 0.35 V more anodic than pure U deposition. Open circuit potential measurements, recorded after small depositions of U metal onto the Al electrode, did not allow the distinction between potentials associated with UAl x alloys and the Al rest potential, as they were found to be practically identical. As a consequence, a spontaneous chemical reaction between dissolved UCl 3 and Al is thermodynamically possible and was experimentally observed.Galvanostatic electrolyses were carried out both on Al rods and Al plates. Stable and dense U-Al deposits were obtained with high faradic yields, and the possibility to load the whole bulk of a thin Al plate was demonstrated. The analyses (by SEM-EDX and XRD) of the deposits indicated the formation of different intermetallic phases (UAl 2 , UAl 3 and UAl 4 ) depending on the experimental conditions.

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Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

On the formation of U–Al alloys in the molten LiCl–KCl eutectic

Cassayre

Caravaca

Jardin³

et al. 2008

Journal of Nuclear Materials

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“…However, the IFR fuel cycle would still produce some waste (fission products) that would be highly radioactive for decades. Unfortunately, demonstration of a complete commercial-scale IFR fuel cycle would have required until at least 1998 . Fourth and last, IFR technology could be inherently free from the risk of proliferation (see ref for details).…”

Section: Nuclear Powermentioning

confidence: 99%

Options for Near-Term Phaseout of CO₂ Emissions from Coal Use in the United States

Kharecha

Kutscher

Hansen

et al. 2010

Environ. Sci. Technol.

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The global climate problem becomes tractable if CO(2) emissions from coal use are phased out rapidly and emissions from unconventional fossil fuels (e.g., oil shale and tar sands) are prohibited. This paper outlines technology options for phasing out coal emissions in the United States by approximately 2030. We focus on coal for physical and practical reasons and on the U.S. because it is most responsible for accumulated fossil fuel CO(2) in the atmosphere today, specifically targeting electricity production, which is the primary use of coal. While we recognize that coal emissions must be phased out globally, we believe U.S. leadership is essential. A major challenge for reducing U.S. emissions is that coal provides the largest proportion of base load power, i.e., power satisfying minimum electricity demand. Because this demand is relatively constant and coal has a high carbon intensity, utility carbon emissions are largely due to coal. The current U.S. electric grid incorporates little renewable power, most of which is not base load power. However, this can readily be changed within the next 2-3 decades. Eliminating coal emissions also requires improved efficiency, a "smart grid", additional energy storage, and advanced nuclear power. Any further coal usage must be accompanied by carbon capture and storage (CCS). We suggest that near-term emphasis should be on efficiency measures and substitution of coal-fired power by renewables and third-generation nuclear plants, since these technologies have been successfully demonstrated at the relevant (commercial) scale. Beyond 2030, these measures can be supplemented by CCS at power plants and, as needed, successfully demonstrated fourth-generation reactors. We conclude that U.S. coal emissions could be phased out by 2030 using existing technologies or ones that could be commercially competitive with coal within about a decade. Elimination of fossil fuel subsidies and a substantial rising price on carbon emissions are the root requirements for a clean, emissions-free future.

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“…For instance, uranium deposition by the electrolysis on solid inert cathode is customary within the Integral Fast Reactor (IFR) concept [10]. Electrochemistry of uranium was mainly investigated in various chloride systems.…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%