Advanced Nuclear Fuel
for Next-Generation Reactors
- Quantum Leap Energy Limited is a subsidiary of ASP Isotopes, Inc. [NASDAQ: ASPI], an industry leader in isotope enrichment for the medical, semiconductor and green energy sectors.
- ASPI’s Quantum Enrichment (QE) technology allows for isotope enrichment at a fraction of the price of traditional facilities.
- QE is highly competitive due to its modular design, low capital cost, and fast construction cycle vs. traditional processes, allowing for easy plant expansion to meet growing demand.
- QE’s energy efficiency allows for environmentally friendly production of a wide range of isotopes.
- Once established, a QE plant could use spent tails as feedstock, helping to manage hazardous waste from other processes.
Quantum Enrichment (QE) employs precisely tuned lasers to separate isotopes based on unique quantum mechanical transition energies, achieving high selectivity
HALEU:
High Assay Low Enriched Uranium, enriched up to 19.75% 235U
HALEU fuel gives Gen IV reactors many advantages over older designs. HALEU enables a range of benefits including compact advanced modular reactor designs and extended refuelling cycles, reduced nuclear waste, and enhanced operational flexibility.
- Current commercial light water reactors use Low Enriched Uranium (LEU) fuel at <5% 235U content.
- Most next-generation 'Gen IV' advanced and micro reactors require HALEU.
- There is currently no commercial supplier of HALEU in the Western world and supply side constraints lag demand projection significantly.
Nuclear Waste Recycling
Depleted tails from other uranium enrichers produce nuclear waste that requires adequate management
We believe that our technology can process this waste into HALEU - potentially providing a solution to this growing environmental problem.
This should allow us to produce HALEU at highly competitive prices.
Other Isotopes of Interest include 6Li, 7Li, 37Cl and ThF4
These products have a wide range of uses in nuclear fission and fusion reactors, including as tritium sources for breeders and fusion reactors, molten salt reactor coolants, neutron absorption & shielding, research and development, isotopic tracing, and enhancements to safety, stability, control and efficiency.
Lithium-6
Lithium-6 (Li-6) is an isotope of lithium, which plays a crucial role in various nuclear applications due to its unique nuclear properties. With its ability to absorb neutrons, Lithium-6 is integral to the production and operation of advanced nuclear reactors.
Uses
Breeder Reactors
Li-6 is used in breeder reactors to produce tritium, an essential component in the fuel cycle of these reactors. Tritium is generated when Li-6 captures a neutron and undergoes nuclear reactions.
Molten Salt Reactors (MSRs)
In MSRs, Li-6 is a key ingredient in the molten salt mixture, where it enhances the reactor’s efficiency and safety. It helps in the moderation of neutrons and in maintaining optimal reactor conditions.
Fusion Reactors
Li-6 is vital for fusion reactors, such as those based on tokamak and inertial confinement designs. It is used in the breeding blankets surrounding the reactor core to generate tritium, which is then used as a fuel for the fusion process.
As a producer of Lithium-6, we are committed to supporting the development and deployment of advanced nuclear reactors, ensuring a sustainable and efficient energy future.
Lithium-7
Lithium-7 (Li-7) is a stable isotope of lithium known for its exceptional nuclear properties. Lithium-7 is an essential material in various advanced nuclear reactor designs. Its ability to withstand high temperatures and its low neutron absorption cross-section make it ideal for several critical applications.
Uses
Coolant in Molten Salt Reactors (MSRs)
Lithium-7 is a key component in the molten salt mixture used in MSRs. It enhances the thermal stability of the salt, ensuring efficient heat transfer and safe reactor operation.
Breeder Reactors
In breeder reactors, Lithium-7 is used in the breeding blanket to produce tritium when combined with neutron absorption. This tritium is a crucial fuel for fusion reactions, supporting the fuel cycle in these reactors.
pH Control in Pressurized Water Reactors (PWRs)
Lithium-7 is used to control the pH levels of the coolant water in PWRs. By maintaining the proper pH, Lithium-7 helps prevent corrosion of reactor components and ensures the longevity and safety of the reactor.
Fusion Reactors
Lithium-7 plays a vital role in fusion reactors, such as tokamaks and inertial confinement designs. It is used in the breeding blankets to generate tritium, which is then used as a fuel for the fusion process.
Radiation Shielding
Due to its low neutron absorption cross-section, Lithium-7 is used in radiation shielding materials to protect against neutron radiation, enhancing the safety of nuclear facilities.
Chlorine-37
Chlorine-37 (Cl-37) is an important material in various advanced nuclear reactor technologies. Its ability to capture neutrons without producing long-lived radioactive byproducts makes it valuable in nuclear applications.
Uses
Molten Salt Reactors (MSRs)
Chlorine-37 is a key component in some molten salt reactor designs. It is used in the formulation of chloride-based salts, which serve as both fuel and coolant. Chlorine-37 enhances the reactor’s efficiency and stability by providing optimal neutron economy and high-temperature performance.
Fast Breeder Reactors
In fast breeder reactors, Chlorine-37 can be used in the production of chloride salts for the fuel cycle. Its low neutron absorption cross-section helps maintain the necessary neutron flux to breed fissile material efficiently.
Neutron Absorption and Shielding
Chlorine-37’s ability to absorb neutrons without generating long-lived radioactive waste makes it suitable for use in neutron shielding materials. This application enhances the safety and efficiency of nuclear reactors by providing effective radiation protection.
Research and Development
Chlorine-37 is used in various research and development applications within the nuclear industry. Its unique properties are studied to develop new reactor technologies and improve existing ones, contributing to the advancement of nuclear science.
Isotopic Tracing
In nuclear reactors and related systems, Chlorine-37 can be used for isotopic tracing to monitor and analyze chemical processes. This helps optimize reactor performance and ensure the safe operation of nuclear facilities.
Thorium Fluoride
Thorium Fluoride (ThF₄) is a chemical compound comprising thorium and fluorine. It is highly valued in the nuclear industry for its stability, high melting point, and favorable nuclear properties. Thorium Fluoride plays a critical role in advanced nuclear reactor designs, particularly in molten salt reactors.
Uses
Molten Salt Reactors (MSRs)
Thorium Fluoride is a key component in the fuel mixture of Molten Salt Reactors. In these reactors, ThF₄ serves as a fissile material when combined with other fluoride salts, providing a safe and efficient medium for nuclear reactions. Its high solubility in molten salt allows for a more flexible and efficient fuel cycle.
Breeding Fuel
Thorium Fluoride is used in the breeding cycle of advanced reactors. When exposed to neutron irradiation, thorium-232 (found in ThF₄) is converted into uranium-233, a fissile material that can sustain nuclear reactions. This breeding process supports a more sustainable and long-term fuel supply for nuclear reactors.
High-Temperature Stability
Due to its high melting point and chemical stability, Thorium Fluoride is ideal for use in high-temperature reactors. It remains stable and effective under extreme conditions, ensuring reliable reactor performance and safety.
Reduction of Nuclear Waste
Thorium-based fuel cycles, including those using Thorium Fluoride, produce less long-lived radioactive waste compared to traditional uranium-based cycles. This contributes to more manageable and safer waste management practices.
Enhanced Safety Features
The use of Thorium Fluoride in advanced reactors enhances safety by providing a more stable and controllable reaction environment. Its chemical properties reduce the risk of accidents and improve the overall safety profile of the reactor.