Effect of fixed and soluble neutron absorbers on the criticality of uranium--plutonium systems

Journal Article · Fri Apr 01 00:00:00 EST 1977 · Nucl. Sci. Eng.; (United States)

OSTI ID:7087413

Lloyd, R C; Clayton, E D

Knowledge of the effects of neutron absorbers on the criticality of uranium-plutonium systems is necessary to better establish criticality safety programs. These data are needed in setting criticality safety specifications for storage, processing, and shipping of fissile materials where it is desired to handle quantities with safety and efficiency. These data are also needed for validating calculational techniques and cross-section sets. Aqueous solutions of the nitrates of uranium and plutonium were used in these experiments to determine the effect of neutron absorbers on criticality. In some experiments, UO/sub 2/ and PuO/sub 2/ rods were latticed in the solutions to which various amounts of gadolinium and a gadolinium-boron mixture were added. Critical dimensions were measured of homogeneous mixtures of the solutions with varying amounts of gadolinium and gadolinium-boron added. The effect of boron-blass Raschig rings on the criticality of the solutions was also determined. Plutonium comprised 30 wt% of the uranium-plutonium component of the solution.

• Research Organization: Battelle-Pacific Northwest Labs., Richland, WA
• OSTI ID: 7087413
• Journal Information: Nucl. Sci. Eng.; (United States), Vol. 62:4
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

Related Subjects

42 ENGINEERING
PLUTONIUM NITRATES
CRITICALITY
URANIUM NITRATES
BORON
COLUMN PACKING
GADOLINIUM
GLASS
NUCLEAR POISONS
SAFETY
TRANSPORT
ACTINIDE COMPOUNDS
ELEMENTS
METALS
NITRATES
NITROGEN COMPOUNDS
OXYGEN COMPOUNDS
PACKINGS
PLUTONIUM COMPOUNDS
RARE EARTHS
REACTOR MATERIALS
SEMIMETALS
TRANSURANIUM COMPOUNDS
URANIUM COMPOUNDS
420203* - Engineering- Handling Equipment & Procedures