Invention Reference Number
Oak Ridge National Laboratory (ORNL) has developed a process to increase the availability of chlorine-37, an isotope critical for molten salt reactor fuels. This technology addresses supply limitations of chlorine-37 by enabling its recovery from common, low-cost chemical sources. The advancement supports nuclear energy applications by improving access to this scarce isotope, ultimately aiding the development of next-generation reactors.
Description
Chlorine-37 is one of two stable isotopes of chlorine, and its unique nuclear properties make it more favorable for advanced reactor systems compared to its naturally abundant counterpart. However, chlorine-37 occurs at relatively low concentrations in nature, constraining its supply for industrial use. ORNL researchers have demonstrated a scalable separation approach that begins with widely available chemical feedstocks and selectively isolates chlorine-37. The process incorporates liquid-liquid phase interactions and subsequent purification steps, which can be modeled and optimized using advanced simulation software. While currently validated at laboratory scale, this method shows potential for industrial adoption, offering a pathway to provide a reliable and cost-effective isotope supply for nuclear energy and other sectors requiring enriched chlorine-37.
Benefits
- Expands domestic supply of chlorine-37 isotope
- Utilizes abundant and low-cost starting materials
- Scalable process with potential for industrial implementation
Applications and Industries
- Nuclear energy (molten salt and advanced reactors)
- Isotope supply chain and specialty chemical industries
- Potential defense and security applications
Contact
To learn more about this technology, email partnerships@ornl.gov or call 865-574-1051.
