In the wake of the earthquake/tsunami/nuclear disaster at Fukushima, there has been a rush in
the energy field for the development of improvements for nuclear energy plants and safety
regulations concerning the use of nuclear power. One of these ideas is using uranium-clad
nuclear pellets in place of a zirconium alloy shell. The main advantage offered by this change is
an increase in time available to prepare after a nuclear accident. A uranium shell would have a
higher resistance to high-temperature oxidation and explosion, giving unsuspecting workers
and citizens time to evacuate the area.
Other materials being tested currently are advanced steels, coated molybdenum and nuclear-
grade silicon carbide composites. Researchers are eager to test these shells and begin the
process of replacing the zirconium alloy that has covered the pellets for 50 years in the US. The
next step involves building real fuel pins from these materials and exposing them to irradiation
inside a fission reactor. If they perform well, they will be distributed to smaller reactor plants,
and if they continue to work well, they will be distributed on an even wider scale. While the
United States' supply of nuclear reactors usually function properly, a new covering that would
allow for a longer preparation time in case of a disaster would add even more assurance to the nation.
Considering I know next to nothing about nuclear energy, this article helped me understand a
few basic concepts of why it is so dangerous, and I hope they can continue to develop new
ways to make nuclear energy safe....or as safe as it CAN be...
To read the full article:
http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2013/10/131029171607.htm
You make a great point in concluding with the idea that nuclear energy is not referred to as a SAFE energy option. I find the safety developments interesting because I live by a research facility in which a chemical spill could be detrimental to the people living near it. This article raises the awareness of the necessity of precautions that must be taken when dealing with dangerous substances. Although I think the safety developments are fantastic, I wonder if governments think the same, or if they simply will not bother to implement them.
ReplyDeleteIt's scary to think of all of the nuclear power plants around the world and even in the US alone. Although most people don't know the facts and stats about nuclear energy, me included, it is rightfully a concern to many. The further development of safer ways to conatin nuclear energy is reassuring and better planning for the future.
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