Nuclear Energy
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American Elements produces a number of materials used in the processes and research associated with the production of electricity from nuclear energy. We meet the quality assurance/quality control standards of the U.S. NRC, the French NEA, and Canada’s CNSC.
American Elements supplies a full line of stable non-radioactive isotopes for basic research. Our research lead to the first nuclear getter material made with deuterium.
Question? Speak to an American Elements engineer at nuclear@americanelements.com
Innovation Case Study #9: American Elements Produces Gadolinium Nitrate Heavy Water for Reactor Maintenance
#9: American Elements Produces Gadolinium Nitrate Heavy Water for Reactor Maintenance
The Challenge
American Elements was approached by Atomic Energy of Canada Limited (AECL) to help with a maintenance issue at its nuclear facilities. One phase in a typical nuclear reactor clean out program is the introduction of gadolinium in the form of gadolinium nitrate hexahydrate (GdNO3 x 6H2O) to act as a neutron “getter.” The issue was created by the hydrated portion of the material introducing water (H2O) into the deuterium (H3O) bath contaminating the reaction vessel.
The Innovation
After evaluating several options, American Elements researchers came up with a novel solution. We synthesized a previously non-existent compound—GdNO3 x 6H3O, a form of gadolinium nitrate in which the water of hydration was replaced with 5 molecules of deuterium.
The Result
This discovery utilizing American Elements heavy water material is now the standard operating procedure for many nuclear facilities saving significantly by allowing recharge without contamination.
Below is merely a selection of the full catalog of Nuclear Energy products that American Elements manufactures. If you do not see a material you're looking for listed, please search the website or contact customerservice@americanelements.com.
Selected Products Supplied to the Nuclear Energy Industry
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American Elements Nuclear Energy Industry Customers Include:
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