Pyroprocessing Research and Development

Pyroprocessing R&D activities span the range from fundamental property measurements to pilot-scale processing demonstrations to develop, and engineer innovative and commercially viable processes for nuclear chemical separations

• Milligram- to kilogram-scale tests with actinide-bearing materials in molten chloride and fluoride salts

Expertise and capabilities in areas essential to the advancement of nuclear energy systems:

• Nuclear chemical engineering of processes and equipment to enable technology commercialization
• Process simulation to design, develop, and model processes and equipment for fuel recycle applications
• Electrochemical monitoring and control of salt chemistry and materials accountability
• Materials compatibility and corrosion studies
• Thermophysical property measurements

Pyroprocessing Facility Capabilities

Radiological facility housing purpose-built inert atmosphere gloveboxes used for experiments with actinides and simulated fission products 

• Glovebox furnace wells ranging in size from six to thirty-six inches with furnace capability to 800°C
• Induction and resistance furnaces for higher temperature applications
• Specially designed equipment for electroreduction, electrorefining, and electrolysis tests
• Broad range of electroanalytical instrumentation for process development, monitoring and control