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Conference Spotlight
Nuclear Energy Conference & Expo (NECX)
September 8–11, 2025
Atlanta, GA|Atlanta Marriott Marquis
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New coolants, new fuels: A new generation of university reactors
Here’s an easy way to make aging U.S. power reactors look relatively youthful: Compare them (average age: 43) with the nation’s university research reactors. The 25 operating today have been licensed for an average of about 58 years.
S. L. Sutter, J. W. Johnston, P. C. Owzarski, J. Mishima, L. C. Schwendiman
Nuclear Technology | Volume 52 | Number 1 | January 1981 | Pages 100-104
Technical Paper | Fuel | doi.org/10.13182/NT81-A32693
Articles are hosted by Taylor and Francis Online.
Release of plutonium dioxide from a breached shipping container was simulated using depleted uranium dioxide. Microgram quantities of the powder were carried by pressurized air through very small openings in a vessel approximately the same dimensions as a shipping container. Powder transmission was measured as a function of upstream pressure above and below the static powder level. Controlling parameters for the powder transmission were the cross-sectional area of the opening, opening characteristics, i.e., orifice or capillary, and chamber pressure. After a decision on leak location and configuration, powder leakage can be estimated using the relationship ln(A√P), where A is the area and P is the gauge pressure. Given a once-a-month event rate, expected maximum powder transmitted per event through a 38-µm opening by 6895-kPa (1000-psig) pressure would be 287 µg for a leak below the static and 46 µg above. Average values would be 11% of this maximum.