Genesis of tuff interval and its uranium enrichment in Upper Triassic of Ordos Basin, NW China

Recently measured high gamma ray values in the Yanchang Formation of the Upper Triassic in the Ordos Basin have added an interesting and controversial twist to the study of the formation’s uranium enrichment and genesis.High uranium and thorium contents in the tuffaceous layer cause high gamma ray values in the Yanchang Formation.Petrographic studies,major elements,rare earth elements(REEs),and trace elements have been systematically analyzed to determine the composition,geochemical environment,and diagenetic processes of the layer.The observed color of the tuffaceous layer in the study area varies from yellow to yellowish brown.The tuff consists of matrix supported with sub-rounded to sub-angular lithic fragments.These lithic fragments probably derived from pre-existing rocks and incorporated into the tuffaceous layer during volcanic eruption.Quartz,plagioclase,and biotite were observed in well to poorly sorted form,in addition to framboidal pyrite and organic laminae.Measured ratios of SiO_2/Al_2O_3 ranged from 3.277 to 6.105 with an average of 3.738.The ratio of TiO_2/Al_2O_3 varied from 0.037 to 0.201 with an average of 0.061,indicating that the sediments of the tuffaceous layer originated from an intermediate magma.REE distribution patterns show sharp negative Eu anomalies,indicating a reducing environment,which is suitable for uranium deposition.A reducing environment was confirmed by black shale in the base of the Yanchang Formation.Such black shale has high organic matter content that can take kerogene from mudstone and provide a reducing environment for uranium enrichment in the tuffaceous layer.Moreover,negative Eu anomalies and the REE patterns indicate a subduction-related volcanic arc environment as the magma source of the tuffaceous layers.High values of Rb,Ba,and Sr might be the result of fluid phase activities;low values of Hf and Eu indicate the involvement of crustal material during diagenesis of the tuff.Discrimination diagrams(Th/Yb vs Ta/Yb,Th/Hf vs Ta/Hf)suggest an active continental margin as the tectonic setting of source volcanoes.Plots of Nb versus Y,Rb versus Y+Nb,TiO_2 versus Zr,and Th/Yb versus Nb/Yb of the tuffaceous content point to calc-alkaline continental arc-related magmatism.We concluded that uranium enrichment in the tuffaceous layer was supported by oxidation–reduction.

Efficient and selective extraction of uranium from seawater based on a novel pulsed liquid chromatography radionuclide separation method

The novel pulsed liquid chromatography radionuclide separation method presented here provides a new and promising strategy for the extraction of uranium from seawater.In this study,a new chromatographic separation method was proposed,and a pulsed nuclide automated separation device was developed,alongside a new chromatographic column.The length of this chromatographic column was 10 m,with an internal warp of 3 mm and a packing size of 1 mm,while the total separation units of the column reached 12,250.The most favorable conditions for the separation of nuclides were then obtained through optimizing the separation conditions of the device:Sample pH in the column=2,sample injection flow rate=5.698 mL/min,chromatographic column heating temperature=60℃.Separation experiments were also carried out for uranium,europium,and sodium ions in mixed solutions;uranium and sodium ions in water samples from the Ganjiang River;and uranium,sodium,and magnesium ions from seawater samples.The separation factors between the different nuclei were then calculated based on the experimental data,and a formula for the separation level was derived.The experimental results showed that the separation factor in the mixed solution of uranium and europium(1:1)was 1.088,while achieving the initial separation of uranium and europium theoretically required a 47-stage separation.Considering the separation factor of 1.50for the uranium and sodium ions in water samples from the Ganjiang River,achieving the initial separation of uranium and sodium ions would have theoretically required at least a 21-stage separation.Furthermore,for the seawater sample separation experiments,the separation factor of uranium and sodium ions was 1.2885;therefore,more than 28 stages of sample separation would be required to achieve uranium extraction from seawater.The novel pulsed liquid chromatography method proposed in this study was innovative in terms of uranium separation and enrichment,while expanding the possibilities of extracting uranium from seawater through chromatography.

Assessment of Axial Power Peaking Factors in GHARR-1 LEU Core: A Decadal Simulation Analysis

This study aims to thoroughly investigate the axial power peaking factors (PPF) within the low-enriched uranium (LEU) core of the Ghana Research Reactor-1 (GHARR-1). This study uses advanced simulation tools, like the MCNPX code for analysing neutron behavior and the PARET/ANL code for understanding power variations, to get a clearer picture of the reactor’s performance. The analysis covers the initial six years of GHARR-1’s operation and includes projections for its whole 60-year lifespan. We closely observed the patterns of both the highest and average PPFs at 21 axial nodes, with measurements taken every ten years. The findings of this study reveal important patterns in power distribution within the core, which are essential for improving the safety regulations and fuel management techniques of the reactor. We provide a meticulous approach, extensive data, and an analysis of the findings, highlighting the significance of continuous monitoring and analysis for proactive management of nuclear reactors. The findings of this study not only enhance our comprehension of nuclear reactor safety but also carry significant ramifications for sustainable energy progress in Ghana and the wider global context. Nuclear engineering is essential in tackling global concerns, such as the demand for clean and dependable energy sources. Research on optimising nuclear reactors, particularly in terms of safety and efficiency, is crucial for the ongoing advancement and acceptance of nuclear energy.

Burnup optimization of once-through molten salt reactors using enriched uranium and thorium

The advantages of once-through molten salt reactors include readily available fuel,low nuclear proliferation risk,and low technical difficulty.It is potentially the most easily commercialized fuel cycle mode for molten salt reactors.However,there are some problems in the parameter selection of once-through molten salt reactors,and the relevant burnup optimization work requires further analysis.This study examined once-through graphitemoderated molten salt reactor using enriched uranium and thorium.The fuel volume fraction(VF),initial heavy nuclei concentration(HN_(0)),feeding uranium enrichment(E_(FU)),volume of the reactor core,and fuel type were changed to obtain the optimal conditions for burnup.We found an optimal region for VF and HN_(0) in each scheme,and the location and size of the optimal region changed with the degree of E_(FU),core volume,and fuel type.The recommended core schemes provide a reference for the core design of a once-through molten salt reactor.

Characteristics of Altered Ilmenite in Uranium-Bearing Sandstone and Its Relationship with Uranium Minerals in the Northeastern Ordos Basin

In recent years,the close relationship between uranium and Ti-Fe oxides in the sandstonetype uranium deposits has been extensively recognized.However,the altered characteristics of ilmenite and its relationship with uranium enrichment still remain unclear.With this paper based on heavymineral sorting of uranium ore selected from the Tarangaole-Nalinggou deposit in the northeastern Ordos Basin,electron probe,backscattering image,energy spectrum and scanning electron microscopy were systematically performed.The ilmenite in the sandstone can be divided into four groups,including unaltered,weakly altered,moderately altered,and strongly altered ilmenite.The alteration of ilmenite in uranium ores is notably more intense than that of the surrounding rocks.In addition,weakly,moderately,and strongly altered ilmenite associated with uranium minerals in uranium ores demonstrate that the more intensity ilmenite altered,the closer its relationship with uranium minerals is.The ilmenite has likely been somewhat altered before mineralization,and the alteration intensifies by later exposure related to an oxygencontaining fluid.The alteration mechanism comprises a process of competitive diffusion between Fe^(2+)and O_(2)-ions.In the early stage,Fe ions was mainly diffused on the particle surface.Subsequently,diffusion of O ions into the particles began to be dominate.Most of the leached iron is stripped or carried away by fluid.In an alkaline and reductive environment,the remaining iron is reduced to form the surrounding pyrite,and TiO_(2)in a form of titanium sol recrystallizes(i.e.,anatase).Backscattering images show that uranium and altered ilmenite are close in space.Coffinite is often distributed along the edges of altered ilmenite as burrs in shape.Colloidal or knitted coffinite associated with anatase is formed in the voids of altered ilmenite.The chemical composition of altered ilmenite varies considerably from the core to edge,and the mineral assemblage sequence is from girdle with ilmenite,to leucosphenite,to anatase,and to coffinite.There is no brannerite that is symbiotic with altered ilmenite.It is considered to be a uranium-containing titanium mineral aggregate caused by the reduction and adsorption of uranium.As the altered product of ilmenite,TiO_(2)is an aggregation agent,increasing the concentration of uranium by adsorption.Together with Fe^(2+)and S_(2)-in secondary pyrite,this aggregate creates a uranium-rich environment in the microzone for the formation of coffinite.Therefore,the alteration of ilmenite plays a geochemical role in the processes of sedimentary,diagenesis and mineralization,in which Fe is removed,Ti is enriched,and U is adsorbed and reduced.