Researchers at Los Alamos National Laboratory (LANL) have achieved a significant milestone in the advancement of nuclear reactor technology. For the first time in over two decades, a criticality experiment has been conducted in the United States utilizing a specialized ceramic fuel integral to certain advanced reactor designs. This experiment, called Deimos, was executed at the National Criticality Experiments Research Center situated near Las Vegas, Nevada. “The Deimos experiment is an important step towards deploying HALEU-fueled nuclear reactors,” said Chris Stanek, LANL Program Manager for Nuclear Energy. Deimos centers on the utilization of high-assay low-enriched uranium (HALEU) fuel. HALEU is expected to play a pivotal role in the development of next-generation nuclear reactors due to its capacity to facilitate enhanced efficiency and performance. HALEU enables the design of smaller reactors with longer operational cycles, contributing to improved economic viability and reduced fuel consumption. Utilizing critical assembly machine To conduct the Deimos experiment, researchers utilized a unique critical assembly machine, which was specially modified to accommodate a graphite core and special containers, called “cups,” to hold the HALEU fuel pellets. These pellets are composed of TRISO particles, a type of ceramic fuel renowned for its ability to withstand incredibly high temperatures, even hotter than molten lava. “Many advanced reactors will require HALEU to achieve smaller designs, longer operating cycles, and increased efficiencies over existing nuclear technologies,” added the research team in a press release . The experiment involved several key steps. First, the researchers achieved criticality, the point at which a nuclear chain reaction becomes self-sustaining. Then, they carefully measured the system at room temperature. Finally, they heated the system to over 200 degrees Fahrenheit. This allowed them to gather critical safety data on HALEU fuel under different conditions. This data is essential for understanding how HALEU behaves in real-world scenarios. Collaborative effort and future implications The Deimos experiment is not an isolated effort. It is a key component of a larger collaboration between the US Department of Energy (DOE) and the Nuclear Regulatory Commission. This partnership aims to compile comprehensive data on HALEU, covering its use, storage, and transportation. The information gathered from Deimos will play a vital role in ensuring that the necessary infrastructure for handling HALEU is properly licensed and ready for the deployment of these advanced reactors. “We are excited and proud to make use of unique LANL capabilities to advance the nation’s advanced reactor goals, and we look forward to future experiments that Deimos enables,” concluded Stanek. Meanwhile, amid the growing demand for nuclear power, research on HALEU has increased. Recently, Bill Gates-backed leading nuclear energy developer, TerraPower, signed an agreement to produce HALEU to help the development of the next generation of nuclear power plants in the US. Recognizing the importance of HALEU research, the DOE has dedicated $17 million to fund 16 projects focused on developing public data and criticality benchmarks for HALEU.
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