Nuclear reactor irradiation systems and methods
AssigneeBattelle Memorial Institute
InventorsJeffrey A. Katalenich, Bruce D. Reid, Robert O. Gates, Andrew W. Prichard, Bruce E. Schmitt, Jim Livingston
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Abstract
A reactor irradiation method is provided that can include irradiating Np or Am spheres within a target assembly of a nuclear reactor to form reacted spheres comprising Pu. The target assembly can define a solid core within an exterior housing, and a void between the exterior housing and the solid core, wherein the spheres occupy at least a portion of the void. The irradiating can include exposing the spheres to a neutron energy spectrum while the spheres are in the void of the target assembly to form irradiated spheres.
Claims11
A reactor irradiation method comprising:
- irradiating Np or Am spheres within a target assembly of a nuclear reactor to form reacted spheres comprising Pu, the target assembly defining a solid core within an exterior housing, and a void between the exterior housing and the solid core, wherein the spheres occupy at least a portion of the void;
- the irradiating comprising exposing the spheres to a neutron energy spectrum while the spheres are in the void of the target assembly to form irradiated spheres;
- removing the irradiated spheres from the void of the target assembly;
- and
- treating the irradiated spheres to recover unreacted Np or Am, and Pu.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.