Argonne National Laboratory (ANL) provides overall technical integration for the Reduced Enrichment for Research and Test Reactors (RERTR) Program managed by the Department of Energy's National Nuclear Security Administration (NNSA) to convert research and test reactors across the globe to low enriched uranium (LEU) fuel—a material that cannot be diverted for direct use in nuclear weapons. The program's primary objective, said Jordi Roglans-Ribas of ANL's Nuclear Engineering Division, “is to develop the technology to minimize and, to the extent possible, eventually eliminate the use of highly enriched uranium (HEU) in civilian nuclear applications worldwide.” Roglans-Ribas manages ANL’s RERTR program. Initiated in 1978, the RERTR program has long relied on ANL's skills as a world leader in designing reactors and developing nuclear fuel. The RERTR program has provided alternative fuel technology to foreign countries in exchange for their pledge to forego using HEU fuel in their research reactors. ANL performs the technical integration management of the program for DOE and works closely with the Department of State, the Nuclear Regulatory Commission, and international organizations such as the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA). More than 150 research reactors around the world still use HEU fuel. Research reactors have been built at universities and national research centers in the United States and other countries, including Kazakhstan, China, Russia, Ghana, Libya and the Netherlands. These small reactors play a vital role by providing neutrons for basic research, nuclear fuel testing, cancer therapy, medical isotope production, and improved pharmaceuticals. “It is important to ensure that research reactors can continue to perform these very important functions while provisions are made to avoid the dangers of nuclear proliferation,” Roglans-Ribas said. Fuel facts
ANL developed higher density LEU fuel that replaces the HEU fuel in research reactors. The LEU fuel uses four times the amount of uranium—but the increase is in uranium-238. The resulting LEU fuel, unlike the HEU, would be very difficult to use in bombs. These fuels are suitable for the conversion of a significant number of reactors. The program continues to develop higher density fuels—a joint effort by ANL and Idaho National Laboratory—to enable the conversion of additional research rectors to LEU fuels. RERTR FUEL TESTS – As part of the advanced fuel development program for RERTR, fuel samples are being tested in the Department of Energy's advanced test reactor at Idaho National Laboratory. Future focus Now that RERTR is a key program in the NNSA's GTRI, ANL researchers hope to support GTRI efforts to quicken the pace of reactor conversions. RERTR's future is busy. Researchers will :
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