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Reactor Physics
The division's objectives are to promote the advancement of knowledge and understanding of the fundamental physical phenomena characterizing nuclear reactors and other nuclear systems. The division encourages research and disseminates information through meetings and publications. Areas of technical interest include nuclear data, particle interactions and transport, reactor and nuclear systems analysis, methods, design, validation and operating experience and standards. The Wigner Award heads the awards program.
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ANS Student Conference 2025
April 3–5, 2025
Albuquerque, NM|The University of New Mexico
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First astatine-labeled compound shipped in the U.S.
The Department of Energy’s National Isotope Development Center (NIDC) on March 31 announced the successful long-distance shipment in the United States of a biologically active compound labeled with the medical radioisotope astatine-211 (At-211). Because previous shipments have included only the “bare” isotope, the NIDC has described the development as “unleashing medical innovation.”
Hans Huschka, Guenther Luthardt, Volker E. Portscher
Nuclear Technology | Volume 66 | Number 3 | September 1984 | Pages 562-569
F. Hydrogen and Tritium Permeation | Status of Metallic Materials Development for Application in Advanced High-Temperature Gas-Cooled Reactor / Material | doi.org/10.13182/NT84-A33478
Articles are hosted by Taylor and Francis Online.
One crucial point of the prototype nuclear process heat is the permeation of hydrogen isotopes through the walls of the heat exchanger materials. The in situ growth of oxide layers provides an effective barrier against hydrogen permeation. Basic investigations with a large scope of heat-resistant alloys have been carried out by Kernforschungsanlage (KFA) Jülich. Further research has been done by NUKEM and Maschinenfabrik Augsburg-Nürnberg, Neue Technologie, to develop superior coatings that are effective from reactor startup. The NUKEM procedure is a simple and cost-efficient method. It comprises oxidation of the disk-shaped metal samples in excess steam (with or without addition of other gases) at elevated temperatures in a once-through manner. Adjustments of various parameters are being made to work out the conditions for optimal quality of the oxides on several alloys. Evaluation is based on permeation measurements with deuterium in the Deuperm facility of KFA. In some cases, tritium permeability was determined at the University of Münster. Backup information is provided by scanning electron microscope analysis, diffractometry, and microprobe examination. First coating experiments with steam/air yielded duplex scales consisting of an inner oxide, which is mainly Cr2O3 and an outer layer of the spinel type containing iron, nickel, and chromium, as well as some manganese throughout the scale. A compositional shift toward chromium oxide monolayers obtained with oxidation in steam correlates with improved permeation properties. Their quality depends strongly on various parameters of the procedure, which are currently being optimized. These are chiefly surface grinding, recrystallization annealing, and possibly thermocycling. For Hastelloy-X, best results are obtained with steam oxidation at 1000°C. Until now, permeability has been reduced by a factor of several hundred with disk specimens. Postoxidation by means of process gas exposure at Rheinbraun further increased the factor to over one thousand, the same as with tube specimens in Auwarm. The adherence to the metal matrix is excellent throughout; no spalling has been observed.
