Mining » Metals' Info » Neptunium

Definition

Neptunium is a chemical constituent with the symbol Np and atomic number 93. A radioactive metallic constituent, neptunium is the first transuranic element and belongs to the actinide series. Its most stable isotope, Np, is a by-product of nuclear reactors and plutonium manufacture and it can be used as a part in neutron detection equipment.

Application

Neptunium is fissionable, and could tentatively be used as fuel in a fast neutron reactor or a nuclear weapon. In 1992, the U.S. Department of Energy declassified the statement that Np-237 can be used for a nuclear explosive tool. It is not supposed that an actual weapon has ever been construct using neptunium. Calculations demonstrate that the serious mass is between 50 and 60 kg.