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Aerospace Nuclear Science & Technology
Organized to promote the advancement of knowledge in the use of nuclear science and technologies in the aerospace application. Specialized nuclear-based technologies and applications are needed to advance the state-of-the-art in aerospace design, engineering and operations to explore planetary bodies in our solar system and beyond, plus enhance the safety of air travel, especially high speed air travel. Areas of interest will include but are not limited to the creation of nuclear-based power and propulsion systems, multifunctional materials to protect humans and electronic components from atmospheric, space, and nuclear power system radiation, human factor strategies for the safety and reliable operation of nuclear power and propulsion plants by non-specialized personnel and more.
Meeting Spotlight
2025 ANS Annual Conference
June 15–18, 2025
Chicago, IL|Chicago Marriott Downtown
Standards Program
The Standards Committee is responsible for the development and maintenance of voluntary consensus standards that address the design, analysis, and operation of components, systems, and facilities related to the application of nuclear science and technology. Find out What’s New, check out the Standards Store, or Get Involved today!
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Nuclear Technology
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Latest News
NRC v. Texas: Supreme Court weighs challenge to NRC authority in spent fuel storage case
The State of Texas has not one but two ongoing federal court challenges to the Nuclear Regulatory Commission that could, if successful, turn decades of NRC regulations, precedent, and case law on its head.
David W. James, Gregg A. Morgan
Fusion Science and Technology | Volume 71 | Number 3 | April 2017 | Pages 321-325
Technical Paper | doi.org/10.1080/15361055.2017.1291245
Articles are hosted by Taylor and Francis Online.
Various getter materials are used in the processing of hydrogen isotopes and associated impurities. SAES® ST198 is a zirconium-iron alloy that is typically used for the removal of low levels of hydrogen isotopes from a process gas stream. However, numerous impurities may be present in process gas streams and some of these impurities may have a deleterious effect on the hydrogen absorption capabilities of ST198.
A series of experiments were completed to determine the effects of various impurities on the hydrogen gettering ability of ST198 as a function of the bed operating temperature. Changes in hydrogen getter performance were tracked using the analysis of Residual Gas Analyzer data. Baseline conditions of 0.1% hydrogen within a nitrogen rich stream were evaluated at both 350°C and ambient temperature conditions (24°C). Various concentrations of impurities were also explored to determine the effects on the hydrogen gettering of ST198. It has been determined that one benefit of ST198 is that it shows no appreciable interaction with nitrogen at temperatures lower than 425°C. However, gas impurities of carbon monoxide, methane, and ammonia were shown in this work to have an effect on the hydrogen gettering abilities of ST198.
This paper presents findings relating to the evaluation of the effect of carbon monoxide, ammonia, and methane impurities on the hydrogen gettering ability of the ST198. Lower operating temperature conditions made the ST198 getter bed more susceptible to deactivation in the presence of impurities. In the event that the studied impurities exist in the process gas stream, the ST198 material could possibly become deactivated towards hydrogen isotope absorption at lower operating temperatures.
