Continuous Oxidation/Reduction System (CORS)

A Continuous Oxidation-Reduction System (CORS) is being developed at Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory (LLNL). The CORS combines reduction and oxidation reactions within a single reactor. The materials being processed are fed continuously while the products are continuously removed. The system is being developed for the continuous oxidation and/or reduction of reactive metals, salts, oxides, and other compounds. Recent feasibility tests reducing cerium oxide were successful. Two applications of this system currently being examined are: actinide oxide reduction and the separation of radionuclides from wastes and residues. In comparison to traditional processes such as fluorination/bomb reduction and Direct Oxide Reduction (DOR), CORS reduces operator radiation exposure, waste, processing time and equipment requirements. A patent has been filed for this process