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Nuclear Criticality Safety
NCSD provides communication among nuclear criticality safety professionals through the development of standards, the evolution of training methods and materials, the presentation of technical data and procedures, and the creation of specialty publications. In these ways, the division furthers the exchange of technical information on nuclear criticality safety with the ultimate goal of promoting the safe handling of fissionable materials outside reactors.
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2024 ANS Winter Conference and Expo
November 17–21, 2024
Orlando, FL|Renaissance Orlando at SeaWorld
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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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Australia’s OPAL is back at work after upgrades
The only nuclear reactor in Australia has returned to power after a monthslong shutdown for planned essential maintenance and upgrades. The OPAL (for open-pool Australian light water reactor) research reactor at the Australian Nuclear Science and Technology Organization (ANSTO) campus in Sydney successfully went through the most significant engineering maintenance and upgrade project in its 17-year history.
C. C. Chapman, J. L. Buelt
Nuclear Technology | Volume 49 | Number 2 | July 1980 | Pages 196-208
Nuclear Fuel Cycle | Fuel Cycle | doi.org/10.13182/NT80-A32482
Articles are hosted by Taylor and Francis Online.
Vitrification tests in a continuous ceramic-lined melter have been completed with simulated radioactive wastes typical of those existing at the Savannah River Laboratory and at U.S. Department of Energy’s Hanford Laboratory. The results of these experiments suggest that immobilization of radioactive waste by vitrification is a promising approach for nuclear waste management. Process rates ranging from 25 to 160 kg/h were observed for simulated powdered waste glasses in the liquid-fed continuous melter. Entrapment of gas in glass bubbles or foaming at the chemical reaction layer caused a marked decrease in the processing rate. Several chemical blends were tested to assess their meltability and susceptibility to foaming. Foaming at the reaction layer was avoided in all but one of eight chemical blends. Differences in the amount of powder accumulated above the molten glass and the subsequent meltdown times strongly indicated that major variations in the meltability existed between the various chemical blends. Prototypic sized canisters (0.4, 0.61, and 0.91 m in diameter and 2.9 m tall) were filled and examined. Canisters were filled at an average rate of 76 to 93 kg/h while standing in air. The homogeneous glass product filled the canisters except for some rippled gaps at the canister wall. Gaps up to 6.4 mm were found. Unless, the radioactive decay heat exceeds the concentrations in existing wastes by a factor of 10 or more, the gaps are believed to be acceptable.