Article title: High-resolution neutronics model for 238Pu production in high-flux reactors
DOI: 10.1007/s41365-024-01461-x
One sentence summary:
This study introduces a high-resolution neutronics model that significantly improves the production of Plutonium-238 in high-flux reactors, enhancing efficiency and cost-effectiveness, and supporting sustainable energy and advanced infrastructure goals.
Keywords:
238Pu, Neutronics model, High-flux reactor, Spectrum resolution, Spectrum optimization
The Novelty (What)
This study established a high-resolution computational neutronics model to optimize the production of Plutonium-238 (238Pu) in high-flux reactors, achieving a yield improvement of up to 18.81%. This model incorporates three distinct computational methodologies—filter burnup, single-energy burnup, and burnup extremum analysis. As a result, the model can precisely map and enhance the transmutation rates of nuclei across different energy regions within the reactor with a resolution up to ~1 eV. By quantifying the efficiency of neutron spectrum utilization without the typical theoretical approximations, this research offers a robust tool for guiding future reactor design and operation. The effectiveness of the model suggests promising applications in the optimization of other isotopic productions, potentially transforming nuclear material synthesis in various industries.
The Background (Why)
Plutonium-238 (238Pu) is a radioactive isotope renowned for its efficient heat generation, crucial for powering radioisotope thermoelectric generators in space and other remote applications. Historically, the production of 238Pu has faced challenges due to inefficient transmutation rates and high costs, exacerbated by inadequate neutronics models that failed to accurately simulate the complex nuclear reactions during irradiation processes. These limitations have restricted the scalability and economic feasibility of using 238Pu in broader applications. This study aims to address these inefficiencies by developing a refined neutronics model that offers a high-resolution analysis of neutron spectrum interactions during the irradiation of Neptunium-237 (237Np). The significance of the research lies in its potential to drastically reduce production costs and increase the yield of 238Pu, thereby making its use more viable for a variety of critical applications.
The SDG impact (Big Why)
As global energy demands grow, the search for sustainable and efficient power solutions becomes increasingly critical. This study contributes to addressing these challenges by aligning its outcomes with SDG 7 (Affordable and Clean Energy) and SDG 9 (Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure). By improving the yield and reducing the costs of 238Pu production, the model enhances the viability of space and remote technologies, thus supporting cleaner energy technologies and bolstering resilient infrastructures.
Graphical Abstract
