Salt Removal from Uranium Metal via Vaporization
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Solution Overview
Problem
The existing methods for processing used nuclear fuel are inadequate in removing salt from uranium, as the salt can corrode storage containers and exceed chloride content limits, making it unsuitable for direct use in nuclear fuel fabrication or storage, necessitating a safe and efficient physical separation process.
Innovation Solution
A system comprising a vessel, heater, pump, and condenser that heats uranium to vaporize the salt, which is then carried away by an inert gas and condensed, effectively removing at least 90% of the salt through vaporization, operating safely at high temperatures without water coolant and minimizing neutron moderating materials.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If salt removal process is implemented, then fuel purity and safety are improved, but process complexity and equipment requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies phase transition by heating the uranium-salt mixture to vaporize the salt component while maintaining uranium in liquid or solid state. The vaporized salt is then condensed separately, achieving physical separation based on differential phase changes at controlled temperatures
Solution Approach 2:
The invention extracts the harmful salt component from the uranium material through selective vaporization and physical separation. The salt is removed as vapor while the uranium remains behind, achieving purification by taking out the unwanted substance
2Productivity
If high temperature heating is applied to vaporize salt, then salt removal efficiency is improved, but energy consumption and safety risks increase
Solution Approach 1:
The process utilizes phase transition of salt from solid/liquid to vapor state through controlled heating. By targeting the specific vaporization temperature of salt rather than much higher temperatures, energy consumption is optimized while maintaining effective separation
Solution Approach 2:
The invention changes temperature parameters to optimize the vaporization process. By controlling heating temperature to the salt's vaporization point and maintaining it there, the process achieves efficient salt removal with minimized energy input compared to higher temperature approaches
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
The system safely and efficiently removes salt from uranium, preventing corrosion and ensuring compliance with fuel specifications, allowing for the safe storage or recycling of uranium by vaporizing the salt and condensing it back into a usable form, thus maintaining system integrity and safety.
Implementation Method 1
The heater heats the uranium for a period of time, causing the salt to turn into a salt vapor and the uranium to melt. The melted uranium releases the salt vapor.
Implementation Method 2
The condenser is adapted to receive the salt vapor.
Data Source
AI summary
According to one aspect of the invention, a system to separate salt from uranium. The system has a vessel, a heater, a pump, and a condenser. The vessel is adapted to receive a uranium that has a salt concentration. The heater heats the uranium for a period of time, causing the salt to turn into a salt vapor and the uranium to melt. The melted uranium releases the salt vapor. The pump circulates an inert gas that carries the salt vapor away from the melted uranium. The condenser is adapted to receive the salt vapor.