We know that #NuclearEnergy is one of the largest sources of zero-emissions power in the π, but as any other energy-generation industry, it generates a "waste".
And I got some news for you: It is actually consider a valuable resource, not a waste!
1.#NuclearWaste is an incorrect term for used or spent fuel (Letβs all take note! - myself included)π
#UsedFuel is made up of metal fuel rods that contains small ceramic pellets of enriched U-235 & it always stay in a solid state.
2. The U.S. πΊπΈ has produced roughly 83,000 metric tons of used fuel since 1950s.
This may sound like a lot, but it actually fit on a single football field at a depth of less than 10 yards.π
3. The are 76 sites in 34 U.S. states that can store used fuel!
#SpentFuel rods are safely and securely enclosed in steel-lined concrete pools of water or in concrete containers.π
4. Transportation of spent fuel have occurred around the U.S. without any radiological releases.π
Used fuel is shipped in special casks that are designed to withstand more than 99% of vehicle accidents, including water immersion, impact, punctures and fires.
Check them out! π
5. Spent fuel CAN BE RECYCLED! β»οΈ
France currently recycle used fuel, since more than 90% of its potential energy still remains in the fuel, even after 5 yr of operation in a reactor.
Do you know how many bananas you need to eat to die of radiation? π±
That's right, you can die of radiation by eating π. But don't worry! I donβt actually think anyone would dare to do it.
So, here is a guide on: What to know before you go bananas about #NuclearRadiation?
In 2017 the @UofCalifornia read our minds by answering a question that we all have:
How much #radiation is too much radiation? And well, the answer is more simple than we thought πitβs just a bunch of bananas.
But first, we need to get familiar and understand some terms. Are you ready?
Everything is composed of atoms (Yep, the periodic table). Some of these atoms are unstable & decay or break apart, & when this happens it emits what we call #Radiation.
First of all, fuel assemblies remain submerged during all handling operations. The minimum shielding requirement is ~3m of water for a high burn-up, & they use special cranes for handling operations
Check out one of the main differences between #BWRs and #PWRs spent fuel poolsπ
BWR pools are filled with demineralized water, and PWR pools are normally filled with a dilute (~0.2M) boric acid solutionπ§
The role of boric acid in nuclear power plant is basically to control nuclear fission rate (among other uses)
Will you become The Hulk if you are exposed to its #radiation?π§ββοΈ
Do you actually know what happens with nuclear waste?
Come! Letβs find out π
Spoiler alert: It doesnβt glow green like you see in some movies.
Before we get into crazy nuclear terms, letβs identify the types of #NuclearWaste:
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High-Level: Most of the #NuclearWaste- the βscaryβ one
Intermediate-L: Components, medical & lab items- π₯ also generate this waste
Low-L: Tools, clothes-Hospitals, research facilities, NPP too
Ready for the action? Now we need to get something straight:
#Radiation?Moving energy. Itβs a natural process
So, #Radioactivity refers to an atom losing energy by emitting particles capable of removing electrons from other atoms β οΈCould be hazardous
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Weβll discuss this later*
Lucky for us, @SandiaLabs solved this question way back in 1988.
They launched a supersonic jet against a concrete wall to test its resistance. π€― Crazy, right? BUT, to our surprise, it only caused cracks of 60mm deep in the concrete.
As part of the probabilistic risk analysis done for the #NPPs, the risk of a jet ACCIDENTALLY striking a plant is considered, but NOT an intentional attack.
Letβs ask the experts about the risk of an impact in a Containment Buildingππ»