Improved plutonium production methods enhance efficiency and cut costs

Improved plutonium production methods enhance efficiency and cut costs
by Simon Mansfield
Sydney, Australia (SPX) Jun 05, 2024

A new high-resolution neutronics model has been developed to improve the production of plutonium-238 (238Pu), increasing yield by nearly 20% in high-flux reactors while reducing costs. This advancement could significantly impact technologies ranging from deep-space exploration to medical devices.

Researchers from Shanghai Jiao Tong University and the Nuclear Power Institute of China have reported that their methods - filter burnup, single-energy burnup, and burnup extremum analysis - improve the precision of 238Pu production, leading to an 18.81% increase in yield. Qingquan Pan, the study's lead researcher, stated, "Our work not only pushes the boundaries of isotopic production technologies but also sets a new perspective for how we approach nuclear transmutation in high-flux reactors."

Despite its critical role in powering deep-space missions and medical devices, 238Pu production has faced inefficiencies and high costs. The team's model analyzes the complex chain reactions within nuclear reactors, enhancing current production methods and reducing gamma radiation impact, making the process safer and more environmentally friendly.

A Three-Fold Approach
The study examined three methods: filter burnup, single-energy burnup, and burnup extremum analysis. These techniques enable precise control and optimization of neutron reactions within reactors.

Enhanced 238Pu production supports the operation of devices in harsh environments. Pan explained, "This model could significantly impact not only future space missions, ensuring longer-lasting power for spacecraft but also the reliability of medical devices like cardiac pacemakers."

The research team plans to refine target design from an engineering perspective, optimize the neutron spectrum used in production, and construct dedicated irradiation channels in high-flux reactors. These developments could streamline the production of 238Pu and other scarce isotopes, with widespread impacts across multiple scientific and medical fields.

A Brighter, Safer Future in Energy and Medicine
The development of a high-resolution neutronics model represents significant progress in nuclear science. When applied to other scarce isotopes, this model is expected to support advancements in energy, medicine, and space technology. Pan and his team's work highlights the crucial role of innovative nuclear research in securing a sustainable and technologically advanced future.

Research Report:High-resolution neutronics model for 238Pu production in high-flux reactors