Reducing the Use of Highly Enriched Uranium in Civilian Research Reactors

Reducing the Use of Highly Enriched Uranium in Civilian Research Reactors PDF

Author: National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine

Publisher: National Academies Press

Published: 2016-02-12

Total Pages: 205

ISBN-13: 0309379210

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The continued presence of highly enriched uranium (HEU) in civilian installations such as research reactors poses a threat to national and international security. Minimization, and ultimately elimination, of HEU in civilian research reactors worldwide has been a goal of U.S. policy and programs since 1978. Today, 74 civilian research reactors around the world, including 8 in the United States, use or are planning to use HEU fuel. Since the last National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine report on this topic in 2009, 28 reactors have been either shut down or converted from HEU to low enriched uranium fuel. Despite this progress, the large number of remaining HEU-fueled reactors demonstrates that an HEU minimization program continues to be needed on a worldwide scale. Reducing the Use of Highly Enriched Uranium in Civilian Research Reactors assesses the status of and progress toward eliminating the worldwide use of HEU fuel in civilian research and test reactors.

Applications of Research Reactors

Applications of Research Reactors PDF

Author: International Atomic Energy Agency

Publisher: International Atomic Energy Agency

Published: 2014

Total Pages: 108

ISBN-13: 9789201450104

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This publication is a comprehensive study that reviews the current situation in a great number of applications of research reactors. It revises the contents of IAEA TECDOC-1234, The Applications of Research Reactors, giving detailed updates on each field of research reactor uses worldwide. Reactors of all sizes and capabilities can benefit from the sharing of current practices and research enabled via this updated version, which describes the requirements for practicing methods as diverse as neutron activation analysis, education and training, neutron scattering and neutron imaging, silicon doping and radioisotope production, material/fuel irradiation and testing, and some others. Many underutilised research reactors can learn how to diversify their technical capabilities, staff and potential commercial partners and users seeking research reactor services and products. The content of the publication has also been strengthened in terms of current issues facing the vast majority of research reactors by including sections describing user and customer relations as well as strategic planning considerations.

Progress, Challenges, and Opportunities for Converting U.S. and Russian Research Reactors

Progress, Challenges, and Opportunities for Converting U.S. and Russian Research Reactors PDF

Author: Russian Academy of Sciences

Publisher: National Academies Press

Published: 2012-03-24

Total Pages: 126

ISBN-13: 0309253209

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Highly enriched uranium (HEU) is used for two major civilian purposes: as fuel for research reactors and as targets for medical isotope production. This material can be dangerous in the wrong hands. Stolen or diverted HEU can be used-in conjunction with some knowledge of physics-to build nuclear explosive devices. Thus, the continued civilian use of HEU is of concern particularly because this material may not be uniformly well-protected. To address these concerns, the National Research Council (NRC) of the U.S. National Academies and the Russian Academy of Sciences (RAS) held a joint symposium on June 8-10, 2011. Progress, Challenges, and Opportunities for Converting U.S. and Russian Research Reactors summarizes the proceedings of this joint symposium. This report addresses: (1) recent progress on conversion of research reactors, with a focus on U.S.- and R.F.-origin reactors; (2) lessons learned for overcoming conversion challenges, increasing the effectiveness of research reactor use, and enabling new reactor missions; (3) future research reactor conversion plans, challenges, and opportunities; and (4) actions that could be taken by U.S. and Russian organizations to promote conversion. The agenda for the symposium is provided in Appendix A, biographical sketches of the committee members are provided in Appendix B, and the report concludes with the statement of task in Appendix C.

Nuclear Reactors

Nuclear Reactors PDF

Author: Chad L. Pope

Publisher: BoD – Books on Demand

Published: 2022-09-14

Total Pages: 196

ISBN-13: 1839699396

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Worldwide interest in nuclear reactors continues to increase and significant focus has been placed on advanced nuclear reactors intended to produce electricity and process heat. However, there is limited literature on the importance of research reactors and certain specialized reactor analysis topics. Thus, this book addresses these topics over three sections: “Nuclear Reactors for Spacecraft Propulsion”, “Research Reactors”, and “Select Reactor Analysis Techniques”. It provides detailed information on the use of nuclear reactors for spacecraft propulsion, presents research conducted on reactors in Idaho, USA, and discusses reactor analysis topics such as cyber-informed engineering for nuclear reactor digital instrumentation and control, the effect of plenum gas on fuel temperature, and more.

Nuclear Micro Reactors

Nuclear Micro Reactors PDF

Author: Bahman Zohuri

Publisher: Springer Nature

Published: 2020-06-08

Total Pages: 131

ISBN-13: 3030472256

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This book looks at Generation IV (GEN IV) nuclear reactor design and the technology known as nuclear micro reactors that is currently under development. Coverage includes the advantages of nuclear micro reactor applications as sources of renewable energy, their use in military applications and Department of Defense requirements, and the nuclear industry’s trend toward the design of small and micro reactors. Nuclear micro reactor safety, security issues, and cost concerns are also explored. The book will provide scientists, engineers, and students with valuable guidance on the fundamentals needed to understand the research and development of the next generation of nuclear technologies.