Advanced courses on the nuclear fuel cycle
Prof. Christophe Bruggeman – Université de Liège
Prof. Kevin Govers – Université de Liège
3 ECTS
81 hours study time
- 30 contact hours theory
- 0 contact hours exercises/laboratory sessions/visits
- 0 hours additional personal work (reading etc.)
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These advanced courses are complementary to the compulsory courses on the Nuclear fuel cycle, and will either deepen certain topics, or treat specific topics of high importance.
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MOX and Th fuel
- To get a global understanding of the utilization of Pu and Th based fuel in light water reactors:
- The challenges of the U-Pu-MOX fuel regarding the fuel fabrication, the core and fuel neutronic aspects and fuel behaviour
- The Th-Pu-MOX used in LWR for its breeding capabilities, or more realistically as matrix for Pu utilization.
Radiochemistry and Dismantling
- To get an understanding of radiochemistry, as it is a basic discipline to understand the various stages and activities in the nuclear fuel cycle, including the safe disposal of the radioactive waste.
- To get acquainted with the principles and practice of dismantling and decommissioining of nuclear materials, as this is becoming an activity of increasing importance in nuclear engineering.
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MOX and Th fuel
- Overview of Th based fuel: physical properties of Pu and Th, main fuel design options
- Pu-MOX fuel fabrication (MIMAS process) and fuel rod thermal-mechanical behaviour under irradiation
- Pu-MOX impact on reactivity coefficients and safety issues
- Th-MOX impact on reactivity coefficients and overview of the possible safety issues
Radiochemistry
- Applied radiochemistry (complementary to the course under "Nuclear Fuel cycle"): chemical process technology: radiochemical separation techniques, radiochemical analysis, production of radionuclides
- Radionuclide migration through a clay host rock – geochemistry and underlying phenomena: impact on the Safety Case; geochemistry in Boom Clay; role of organic matter; radionuclide speciation, sorption and transport; modelling.
Dismantling, decommissioning
- Introduction: definitions, objectives, levels, regulatory aspects, radioprotection, ALARA
- Radionuclide inventory, characterization and measurements
- Strategy for decontamination of buildings, concrete pieces and structures, metals
- Dismantling of a nuclear reactor (the BR3 case): the experience, materials management
- Other types of installations to be decommissioned, REX from other projects
- Strategies and planning of decommissioning
- Safety aspects
The courses will be completed with exercises.
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The PowerPoint presentations of the lectures are available on the BNEN website.
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Courses in the following field
- Nuclear energy: introduction
- Nuclear fuel cycle (compulsory courses)
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MOX and Th fuel
First and second session: closed book written examination (MCQ complemented by open justification)
Radiochemistry and Dismantling
First and second session: closed book oral examination; written preparation.