Abstract: The invention relates to a new and unique light water reactor (LWR) nuclear fuel pellet configuration formed using tri-isotropic (TRISO) fuel particles suspended in a metal, metal alloy, or ceramic matrix. The new TRISO LWR pellet would have the same dimensions as those of the standard uranium oxide pellet allowing its use without any change to the physical configuration of the reactor vessel, core internals or fuel assemblies. TRISO type fuels have a proven capability for retaining fission products within the confinement boundary created by the coating material. This robustness is expected to reduce or eliminate fuel failure risk and cost. Replacing standard pellets with TRISO LWR fuel pellets with the same, or higher, energy density can potentially extend the operating cycles of LWRs, reduce the number of fuel assemblies replaced in each refueling, reduce the quantity of spent fuel discharged from reactors, lower operating costs, and reduce radioactive waste.

Abstract: A compressed powder composite (CPC) material for absorbing neutrons emitted from spent nuclear fuel thereby preventing the initiation of a chain reaction. The CPC material is typically provided as a substantially insoluble cylindrical pellet that is highly resistant to corrosion and is not subject to the failure modes associated with the alloy materials typically used in neutron absorption materials. The pellet preferably includes a dendritic nickel powder substantially uniformly mixed with a neutron absorber powder material, preferably boron carbide. Tubes filled with CPC materials, such tubes for replacing control roads so that a spent nuclear fuel assembly may be disposed of substantially indefinitely.

Abstract: A compressed powder composite (CPC) material for absorbing neutrons emitted from spent nuclear fuel thereby preventing the initiation of a chain reaction. The CPC material is typically provided as a substantially insoluble cylindrical pellet that is highly resistant to corrosion and is not subject to the failure modes associated with the alloy materials typically used in neutron absorption materials. The pellet preferably includes a dendritic nickel powder substantially uniformly mixed with a neutron absorber powder material, preferably boron carbide. Tubes filled with CPC materials, such tubes for replacing control roads so that a spent nuclear fuel assembly may be disposed of substantially indefinitely.

Abstract: The invention relates to the confinement of an alloy formed of actinide transuranic radioactive wastes and beryllium metal within a neutron moderating and reflecting apparatus to cause accelerated destruction (burning) of the actinide wastes. Waste actinides, including plutonium, neptunium, americium, and curium, emit alpha particles by radioactive decay. The alpha particles are converted into neutrons by the beryllium through an alpha-neutron (alpha, n) reaction. The neutrons developed by the alpha, n reaction are moderated by a surrounding layer of graphite, which allows the slowed neutrons to cause additional fission or decay events within the waste actinide alloy. This process is passive because the alpha particles that initiate the actinide burning are an intrinsic physical property of the actinides.

Abstract: The invention relates to the confinement of an alloy formed of actinide transuranic radioactive wastes and beryllium metal within a neutron moderating and reflecting apparatus to cause accelerated destruction (burning) of the actinide wastes. Waste actinides, including plutonium, neptunium, americium, and curium, emit alpha particles by radioactive decay. The alpha particles are converted into neutrons by the beryllium through an alpha-neutron (alpha, n) reaction. The neutrons developed by the alpha, n reaction are moderated by a surrounding layer of graphite, which allows the slowed neutrons to cause additional fission or decay events within the waste actinide alloy. This process is passive because the alpha particles that initiate the actinide burning are an intrinsic physical property of the actinides.