About this Abstract |
Meeting |
2023 TMS Annual Meeting & Exhibition
|
Symposium
|
Materials and Chemistry for Molten Salt Systems
|
Presentation Title |
Reaction Kinetics of the Chlorination of UO2 with ZrCl4 |
Author(s) |
Jarom L. Chamberlain, Asmat Taunque, Michael Simpson |
On-Site Speaker (Planned) |
Jarom L. Chamberlain |
Abstract Scope |
Pyrochemical processing of UO2 nuclear fuel waste can be initiated by chlorination with ZrCl4 to form UCl3. The UCl3 can be used as a fuel for advanced nuclear reactors. Previously, it was reported that complete chlorination of UO2 could be achieved by reacting it with pre-vaporized ZrCl4 contacted with molten LiCl-KCl. This study examines the reaction kinetics and governing reaction mechanism of this chlorination method. It was hypothesized that a diffusion limited shrinking core mechanism governs this process due to a product layer observed around the uranium particles. A series of chlorination experiments using UO2 pellets were conducted to better quantify this product layer. The progress of the reaction was determined from a cross-sectional view of the uranium pellets after chlorination. Images taken using an optical microscope revealed progressive conversion of the UO2. The conversion data taken from these pre-vaporization chlorination experiments was fit to the shrinking core kinetic model. |
Proceedings Inclusion? |
Planned: |
Keywords |
Pyrometallurgy, Nuclear Materials, Sustainability |