Nuclear Fuel Cycle (SC4111)
Course outline
UCLans Nuclear Fuel Cycle module describes the nuclear
fuel cycle and examines in detail, the technical, economical, safety and
environmental issues involved during each stage. The module covers the entire
cycle from the extraction of ore to the disposal of waste. The processes
involved in reprocessing of fuel are examined and the consequences reprocessing
has, in terms of reactor fuel design and waste disposal, are discussed. Each
stage is described on an international scale examining global markets and
capacities.
Credit Value
7.5 ECTS
Course content
Overview of the fuel cycle
Mining and milling of uranium
Purification and conversion to UF6
Uranium enrichment
Fuel fabrication
Properties of irradiated fuel
Irradiated fuel transport and storage
Nuclear fuel reprocessing
Recycling of uranium and plutonium
Decommissioning, retrieval and disposal of nuclear waste
Emerging fuel technologies
Learning outcome
On successful completion of this course a student will
be able to:
A full
understanding of all the processes involved in the front- and back-ends of the
once-through fuel cycle.
An
understanding of fuel reprocessing and the advantages reprocessing can provide.
An
appreciation of the safety and environmental considerations involved in the
cycle.
An
overview of the nuclear fuel cycle for commercial purposes and how it has been
affected by historic events.
Knowledge of the worldwide capacities and economical markets involved in the
cycle as well as an appreciation of political influence.
Ability
to perform some calculations around the economics of the fuel cycle.
Method of delivery
The majority of teaching is undertaken in intensive
mode within a single (pulse) attendance of one week duration. The course lectures are delivered by both
academic staff from UCLan and by practitioners from industry in the various
subject areas. This allows the students to understand the theory and see how it
is applied in practice. The students are supplied with pre-course learning and
during the course are provided with short tutorial and discussion sessions
where they can test their understanding. Further references are provided with
the lectures.
Location of study
UCLan Preston campus
Start Date
12th
November 2018 (one week duration)
Maximum number of ANNETTE participants
Five
Course enquiries
Dr Jonathan Francis
PL / Head of John Tyndall Institute
Academic Lead for Energy, Fire & Sustainability
School of Engineering,
Computing and Technology Building, CM023
University of Central Lancashire
Preston, PR1 2HE
Email: JFrancis1@uclan.ac.uk
Tel:
+44(0) 1772 89 3229