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Projects: Projects for Investigator
Reference Number EP/X022218/1
Title Elucidation of unusual nano-effects on dissolution, aggregation and denaturation processes of alpha particles generated by fuel debris retrieval
Status Started
Energy Categories Nuclear Fission and Fusion(Nuclear Fission, Fuel cycle) 100%;
Research Types Basic and strategic applied research 100%
Science and Technology Fields PHYSICAL SCIENCES AND MATHEMATICS (Physics) 70%;
PHYSICAL SCIENCES AND MATHEMATICS (Applied Mathematics) 30%;
UKERC Cross Cutting Characterisation Not Cross-cutting 100%
Principal Investigator Dr P Angeli
No email address given
Chemical Engineering
University College London
Award Type Standard
Funding Source EPSRC
Start Date 01 November 2022
End Date 31 March 2025
Duration 29 months
Total Grant Value £483,167
Industrial Sectors Energy
Region London
Programme Energy and Decarbonisation
 
Investigators Principal Investigator Dr P Angeli , Chemical Engineering, University College London (99.999%)
  Other Investigator Professor ES Fraga , Chemical Engineering, University College London (0.001%)
Web Site
Objectives
Abstract The safe retrieval and storage of nuclear fuel debris, such as that generated by the Fukushima-Daiichi nuclear power plant accident 10 years ago, requires an understanding of the behaviour of these debris while being stored and processed. Bulk scale studies have been conducted which have yielded understanding of the characteristics of these debris at the larger scales. However, it has been noted that the processing of these debris generates micro- and nano-scale particles, particularly in the 1 to 100 nm scales. These particles are in solution and may be present in aerosols generated by the processing such as cutting with mechanical or laser means. Importantly, the particles at these scales behave differently than particles at larger scales. This difference in behaviour must be understood to be able to predict their behaviour while being processed.This project brings together experimental expertise, both in the UK and Japan, as well as expertise in the development and use of mathematical modelling to develop the experimental and mathematical tools necessary to ensure safe processing of the debris. The experimental expertise includes characterisation capabilities for structure and surface properties of the particles and for the dynamic behaviour of the particles in solutions in microfluidic channels, including dissolution, denaturation, and aggregation/agglomeration. The resources and expertise of the labs at UCL and Tokyo Institute of Technology are complementary. The mathematical expertise at UCL is also well aligned with the experimental capabilities, demonstrated through previous successful collaborative projects.
Publications (none)
Final Report (none)
Added to Database 25/01/23