Idaho researchers develop new tool to advance nuclear research, nonproliferation missions

[Marlin]

Idaho researchers develop new tool to advance nuclear research, nonproliferation missions

https://inl.gov/feature-story/idaho-researchers-develop-new-tool-to-advance-nuclear-research-nonproliferation-missions/

[Core Content]

Idaho National Laboratory installed a mobile nuclear fuel chopping and decladding platform at its Moran facility. The modular system crimps, peels, and chops fuel rods to expose uranium cores for analysis. Researchers successfully completed the first radioactive test using actual Magnox fuel rods in May.

Funded by the National Nuclear Security Administration, the equipment supports advanced fuel cycle development and nonproliferation missions. The adaptable hardware accommodates various fuel geometries and incorporates high-speed monitoring systems. This capability expands domestic processing options for legacy materials while training future nuclear specialists.

As the nation's nuclear energy laboratory, the Idaho National Laboratory (INL) has world-class capabilities for developing, fabricating, testing and analyzing nuclear fuel.

Those capabilities extend to the laboratory's nonproliferation mission, which focuses on research to prevent, counter and respond to nuclear and radiological threats.

Now, INL has established a new capability that enhances its nuclear fuel research and national security missions with a mobile nuclear fuel chopping and decladding skid at the Moran facility at the laboratory's desert Site.

Read the full article at inl.gov:
https://inl.gov/feature-story/idaho-researchers-develop-new-tool-to-advance-nuclear-research-nonproliferation-missions/