Although nuclear power offers countries with limited natural resources a feasible alternative to coal-burning power plants, there's an incredible amount of danger associated with the technology. Procurement services often help energy companies obtain necessary safety gear, but it's evident that a new form of fuel is needed.
Current methods
According to Manufacturing.net, uranium dioxide, which powers the majority of today's nuclear reactors, is compressed into small pellets that are stacked into a hollow metal tube. The container is made of zirconium alloy, a material that resists corrosion and can sustain large amounts of heat.
Nuclear facilities require extensive cooling mechanisms to make sure that nuclear material doesn't overheat and thus damage the cladding, or covering. However, these protections can sometimes be compromised. The source referenced the Fukushima Daiichi plant accident, outlining the steps that caused the center to break down:
- Tsunami waves knocked out Daiichi's cooling system.
- The steam caused by the evaporating water reacted with the zirconium alloy.
- This cohesion caused a chemical reaction that produced explosive hydrogen gas, resulting in several explosions.
- Harmful radiation was released into the surrounding area.
Although the circumstances surrounding the Daiichi plant are unique, natural disasters shouldn't be disregarded when concerning safety. Energy companies with a stake in nuclear power facilities may begin to label zirconium alloy cladding as a liability, obligating the operators of said centers to redirect strategic sourcing to include metals that won't create hydrogen gas or other explosive chemicals.
Government response
Claims Journal reported that the U.S. Department of Energy is now spending more than $30 million to foster innovation of nuclear reactor design and material implementation. The purpose of the organization's endeavor is to develop nuclear fuel that is more damage- and melt-resistant in intense scenarios. If researchers prevail, it could give plant personnel more time to prevent an accident from turning into a meltdown.
Solutions in motion
The news source acknowledged a number of notable projects. The Electric Power Research Institute is trying to see if cladding made of molybdenum is a good alternative to zirconium alloys. The former metal is known for maintaining durability even in the face of extreme heat, so implementation appears to be a viable option.
Some believe that more radical design changes are necessary. Brent Heuser, a nuclear engineer at the University of Illinois, is working with his team to implement "self-healing" fuel, which possesses additional materials that move to the surface of a fuel rod during an accident to form a secure cover.
If these research projects prove successful, supplier relationship management tools may be leveraged by power companies to procure new materials that improve safety conditions.
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