Abstract
The aim of this thesis, and the research conducted in support of it, is to investigate and optimise current methods used in fusion energy to store and separate tritium: uranium hydride and palladium hydride, respectively.Results of an investigation of powderising uranium metal using hydride formation-decomposition cycles are presented. The new insights gained from this were: the uranium metal reached its maximum powderisation on the 4th cycle; and that the bulk of the powderisation happened during the first cycle.
An investigation into performing a heat treatment regime on depleted uranium was conducted. The investigation found that the heat treatment regime bought about a shortening of the bulk reaction stage of the UH3 reaction, and the formation of a new compound (a monoxide phase), but only when carbon was present in the system.
The optimum H2 gas pressure for forming palladium hydride at room temperature was found to be in the range P = 1200 - 1500 mbar; and the fastest H2 desorption rate, of the temperature range investigated, was observed at 250°C.
Date of Award | 3 Oct 2023 |
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Original language | English |
Awarding Institution |
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Sponsors | United Kingdom Atomic Energy Authority |
Supervisor | Ross S Springell (Supervisor) & Thomas Bligh Scott (Supervisor) |
Keywords
- Fusion
- Tritium
- Uranium
- Hydride