Application of a Triple Bubbler Inside Molten Salt for Pyroprocessing Safeguards Purposes
Conference
·
OSTI ID:3027654
- Idaho National Laboratory
The application of a triple bubbler system within molten salt environments, specifically a eutectic mixture of LiCl-KCl, is explored for nuclear safeguards purposes, focusing on nuclear material accountancy (NMA) and holdup accountancy in pyroprocessing techniques. Traditional holdup accountancy methods, which involve periodic sampling and lengthy lead times, are being supplemented by the development of actinide sensors using electrochemistry. However, these methods alone are insufficient to meet regulatory requirements set by agencies like NRC and IAEA. The triple bubbler device measures salt level, density, and surface tension simultaneously using three dip tubes of varying diameters and heights. This study investigates the accuracy and robustness of the triple bubbler in molten salt conditions at temperatures ranging from 450-550°C. The updated bubbler design, utilizing tantalum metal and larger tube geometry, demonstrated minimal plugging and maintained measurement accuracy within acceptable uncertainties: 0.611% for depth, 1.34% for density, and approximately 40% for surface tension. Results indicate that the triple bubbler system is effective for real-time, accurate measurements in pyroprocessing environments, making it a promising tool for ensuring compliance with nuclear safeguards and supporting nuclear non-proliferation efforts.
- Research Organization:
- Idaho National Laboratory (INL), Idaho Falls, ID (United States)
- Sponsoring Organization:
- USDOE Office of Nuclear Energy (NE); USDOE Office of Nuclear Energy (NE)
- DOE Contract Number:
- AC07-05ID14517;
- OSTI ID:
- 3027654
- Report Number(s):
- INL/CON-24-82579
- Resource Type:
- Conference proceedings
- Conference Information:
- ANS, Albuquerque New Mexico, 04/03/2025 - 04/05/2025
- Country of Publication:
- United States
- Language:
- English
Similar Records
Bubbler Design Updates for Nuclear Safeguards Applications
Application of a Triple Bubbler Sensor for Determining the Density, Surface Tension, and Depth in Molten Salts
Bubbler Design Updates for Nuclear Safeguards Applications
Conference
·
Wed Apr 16 20:00:00 EDT 2025
·
OSTI ID:3023448
Application of a Triple Bubbler Sensor for Determining the Density, Surface Tension, and Depth in Molten Salts
Conference
·
Tue May 01 00:00:00 EDT 2018
·
OSTI ID:1478388
Bubbler Design Updates for Nuclear Safeguards Applications
Conference
·
Tue Jul 23 20:00:00 EDT 2024
·
OSTI ID:2467513