Technology of the light water reactor fuel cycle

This essay presents elements of the processes used in the fuel cycle steps and gives an indication of the types of equipment used. The amounts of radioactivity released in normal operation of the processes are indicated and related to radiation doses. Types and costs of equipment or processes required to lower these radioactivity releases are in some cases suggested. Mining and milling, conversion of uranium concentrate to UF/sub 6/, uranium isotope separation, LWR fuel fabrication, fuel reprocessing, transportation, and waste management are covered in this essay. 40 figures, 34 tables. (DLC

The nuclear fuel cycle: Reminiscences, observations and expectations

The author discusses his involvement in the nuclear business and gives a personal perspective on nuclear energy, especially the nuclear fuel cycle

DEVELOPMENT OF A METHOD FOR PREDICTING CONTINUOUS TRICKLE-TYPE COLUMN DISSOLVER BEHAVIOR FROM BATCH DATA

A method for determining dissolver solution concentration as a function of length of column traversed for trickletype continuous dissolvers has been developed. An illustrative example is worked out for the mercury-catalyzed nitric acid dissolution of U-Al cast alloy slugs. The method employs a graphical integration of simple functions of dissolution rates and acid concentrations. These rates and concentrations are easily obtained from batch experiments made over the important ranges of concentration. (auth

CERENKOV RADIATION INTENSITY CALCULATIONS FOR Srsup90sup 90 AND Cosup60sup 60 IN WATER

A method for calculating Cherenkov radiation intensity from an initial electron energy distribution is presented. The Cherenkov radiation intensity from 1 curie of Sr/sup 90/ in secular equilibrium with Y/sup 90/ in water was calculated from the beta energy spectrum to illustrate the use of the method for a pure beta emitter. The Cherenkov radiation intensity from 1 curie of Co/sup 60/ in water was calculated from the Compton electron energy spectrum to illustrate the use of the method for a gamma emitter. The steps necessary to obtain the Compton electron energy spectrum from a gamma emitter are indicated. (auth

Need for process/radiochemists at nuclear power plants

Viewgraphs are presented concerning the operating requirements for chemists at nuclear power plants. The number of positions available, job duties, and training requirements are reviewed