Fall 2015: RDCH 702 Lecture 10 In reactor chemistry

This lecture describes the chemistry of actinides and fission products in reactors, primarily focusing on phases formed in nuclear fuel. The fission process is reviewed and fuel burnup discussed. Determining fission product and actinide concentration to assess burnup is introduced. The variation of fission product and actinide concentration with burnup and initial fuel composition is provided. Axial and radial distribution of activity, fission products, and actinides is discussed, highlighting the role of neutron flux and energies on the distribution. Conditions necessary for the formation of separate phases in UO₂ are shown for perovskite and metallic phases, emphasizing the role of oxygen in the process. The behavior of fission products can be grouped into 4 areas: volatile species, metallic precipitates, oxide precipitates, and solid solutions. 

Fall 2015: RDCH 702 Lecture 9 Separations

A number of different separation methods for radionuclides, with an emphasis on actinides, are presented. Solvent extraction, ion exchange, electrochemical, volatility and ionic liquid methods are discussed. The fundamental concepts are provided with specific examples on the nuclear fuel cycle. Ideas and concepts for advanced separations are given. Details are provided for the different separation routes discussed. The PUREX process is described. Examples are given for TRUEX and TALSPEAK separations. Specific examples for actinide separation are provided.

Fall 2015: Quiz 4 Radiation Interaction and Isotope Production

Assigned 2 November 15                                            

Due 9 November 15

Quiz Topics

Lecture 7 Radiation Interactions 

Lecture 8 Accelerators and Isotope Product

Use the lecture notes, chart of the nuclides, table of the isotopes, and web links to answer the following questions.