Research on the Formation Conditions and Preventive Measures of Uranium Precipitates during the Service Process of Medical Isotope Production Reactors

This study focuses on the Medical Isotope Production Reactor (MIPR), an aqueous homogeneous reactor utilized for synthesizing medical isotopes like <sup>99</sup>Mo. A pivotal aspect of MIPR’s functionality involves the fuel solution’s complex chemical interactions, particularly during re...

Full description

Bibliographic Details
Main Authors: Yanli Zhao, Yuan Gao, Xinyue Li, Yi Le, Yang Zhang, Jie Qiu, Yong Xin
Format: Article
Language:English
Published: MDPI AG 2024-02-01
Series:Materials
Subjects:
Online Access:https://www.mdpi.com/1996-1944/17/4/945
Description
Summary:This study focuses on the Medical Isotope Production Reactor (MIPR), an aqueous homogeneous reactor utilized for synthesizing medical isotopes like <sup>99</sup>Mo. A pivotal aspect of MIPR’s functionality involves the fuel solution’s complex chemical interactions, particularly during reactor operation. These interactions result in the formation of precipitates, notably water filamentous uranium ore and columnar uranium ore, which can impact reactor performance. The research presented here delves into the reactions between liquid fuel uranyl nitrate and key radiolytic products, employing simulation calculations complemented by experimental validation. This approach facilitates the identification of uranium precipitate types and their formation conditions under operational reactor settings. Additionally, the article explores strategies to mitigate the formation of specific uranium precipitates, thereby contributing to the efficient and stable operation of MIPR.
ISSN:1996-1944