Methods of forming actinide-yttrium hydrides and related compositions and systems
AssigneeBattelle Energy Alliance, LLC
InventorsJordan A. Evans, Nicolas E. Woolstenhulme
Life of this patent
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Abstract
A method of forming an actinide-yttrium hydride includes introducing an yttrium feedstock and an actinide feedstock to a milling/mixing unit. The yttrium and actinide feedstocks are milled and mixed to form a milled mixture. The milled mixture is consolidated in a consolidation unit at a consolidation temperature to form a high-density bulk solid material. The high-density bulk solid material is exposed to hydrogen at a hydriding temperature and a hydriding pressure to form the actinide-yttrium hydride. A composition and system is also disclosed.
Claims20
A method of forming an actinide-yttrium hydride, comprising:
- introducing an yttrium feedstock to a milling/mixing unit;
- introducing an actinide feedstock to the milling/mixing unit;
- milling and mixing the yttrium feedstock and the actinide feedstock to form a milled mixture;
- consolidating the milled mixture in a consolidation unit at a consolidation temperature to form a high-density bulk solid material;
- and
- exposing the high-density bulk solid material to hydrogen at a hydriding temperature and a hydriding pressure to form the actinide-yttrium hydride.
A composition comprising yttrium hydride and one or more actinides, the composition exhibiting a bulk nanostructure.
A system for forming an actinide-yttrium hydride material, comprising:
- a milling/mixing unit configured to reduce an average particle size of an yttrium feedstock and an actinide feedstock to form a milled mixture;
- a consolidation unit coupled to the milling/mixing unit and configured to consolidate the milled mixture of the yttrium feedstock and the actinide feedstock into a high-density solid material;
- and
- a hydriding unit coupled to the consolidation unit and configured to hydride the high-density solid material.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.