N08: Particle Engineering in the Nuclear Industry

This unit aims to:

• Introduce particle technology and its relevance to the nuclear fuel cycle;
• Review particle technology challenges encountered during POCO and decommissioning of legacy nuclear facilities;
• Provide a fundamental understanding on the science underpinning particle behaviour: i) colloid science and ii) suspension rheology;
• Apply your particle technology knowledge to real-world problems encountered in suspension transport and separations;
• Provide a fundamental understanding on the science underpinning powder properties and processing;
• Provide hands-on learning through completion of laboratory experiments studying the re-suspension and transport of nuclear simulants. 

Brief description of the unit

The understanding of particulate systems is of great importance to the modern nuclear industry from fuel manufacture, reactor coolant flows and waste management. For example, during the clean-up and decommissioning of nuclear sites particle science challenges are often encountered; no greater challenge than the safe processing and long-term storage of legacy wastes (particle sludges and suspensions). Understanding how particles behave in these systems is fundamental to their performance and an ability to control particle interactions creates opportunity to manipulate the rheology (flow), separation and particle packing in wet and dry systems.  This unit introduces methods to characterize particle properties, size, shape, roughness and surface charge, and explains how those properties affect the physical response of bulk fluids (suspensions) and powders. Lectures will be complemented by problem-based learning activities and laboratory practical’s which are designed to validate the theoretical and empirical learning outcomes of the unit.  The laboratory practical’s will be conducted in the new flow facilities at the University of Leeds and will use a range of instruments that are typically deployed on nuclear sites. 

Intended Learning Outcomes

To be able to formulate hypotheses, critically analyse data, and evaluate competing explanations in the context of complex particulate systems

To be able to demonstrate a sound understanding of the fundamental principles governing particle behaviour, including inter-particle interactions, colloid science, and suspension rheology

To be able to communicate technical findings clearly and effectively through structured reports, supported by appropriate data analysis and interpretation

To be able to exercise self-direction and effective decision-making in complex and uncertain technical environments