Compact reaction cell for homogenizing and down-blanding highly enriched uranium metal
- Livermore, CA
The invention is a specialized reaction cell for converting uranium metal to uranium oxide. In a preferred form, the reaction cell comprises a reaction chamber with increasing diameter along its length (e.g. a cylindrical chamber having a diameter of about 2 inches in a lower portion and having a diameter of from about 4 to about 12 inches in an upper portion). Such dimensions are important to achieve the necessary conversion while at the same time affording criticality control and transportability of the cell and product. The reaction chamber further comprises an upper port and a lower port, the lower port allowing for the entry of reactant gasses into the reaction chamber, the upper port allowing for the exit of gasses from the reaction chamber. A diffuser plate is attached to the lower port of the reaction chamber and serves to shape the flow of gas into the reaction chamber. The reaction cell further comprises means for introducing gasses into the reaction chamber and a heating means capable of heating the contents of the reaction chamber. The present invention also relates to a method for converting uranium metal to uranium oxide in the reaction cell of the present invention. The invention is useful for down-blending highly enriched uranium metal by the simultaneous conversion of highly enriched uranium metal and natural or depleted uranium metal to uranium oxide within the reaction cell.
- Research Organization:
- Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory (LLNL), Livermore, CA (United States)
- DOE Contract Number:
- W-7405-ENG-48
- Assignee:
- United States of America as represented by United States (Washington, DC)
- Patent Number(s):
- US 5411722
- OSTI ID:
- 869859
- Country of Publication:
- United States
- Language:
- English
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Related Subjects
reaction
cell
homogenizing
down-blanding
highly
enriched
uranium
metal
specialized
converting
oxide
preferred
form
comprises
chamber
increasing
diameter
length
cylindrical
inches
portion
12
upper
dimensions
achieve
conversion
time
affording
criticality
control
transportability
product
allowing
entry
reactant
gasses
exit
diffuser
plate
attached
serves
shape
flow
gas
means
introducing
heating
capable
contents
relates
method
useful
down-blending
simultaneous
natural
depleted
diffuser plate
uranium oxide
heating means
enriched uranium
depleted uranium
cell comprises
reaction chamber
upper portion
reactant gas
uranium metal
preferred form
comprises means
reaction cell
converting uranium
cylindrical chamber
criticality control
means capable
highly enrich
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