Fast Reactors and Accelerator Driven Systems Knowledge Base

Conference Article: Minor actinides recycling in an EFR type fast neutron reactor

Sztark, H. (Framatome, Lyon (France)); Vambenepe, G.; Vergnes, J. (Electricite de France (EDF), 69 - Lyon (France)); Zaetta, A. (CEA Centre d'Etudes de Cadarache, 13 - Saint-Paul-lez-Durance (France))

Abstract

In the framework of the French nuclear programme, based on PWR type of reactors associated with reprocessing of spent fuel elements, the management of the nuclear wastes and particularly the Minor Actinides has to be defined. Among the possible solutions, the transmutation of these long lived elements using Fast Neutron Reactors such as SPX and EFR is envisaged. This paper aims at presenting the studies which are being performed on an EFR type of core, 1500 MWe, oxide fuel with very high burn-up, in the case of minor actinides homogeneously distributed inside the fuel. The efficiency of the Minor Actinides transmutation as a function of the initial content, the consequences of the insertion of these Actinides on the major core parameters, mainly the safety parameters are presented. Finally, the consequences of this Minor Actinides recycling on the long terms radiotoxicity are given.

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key words: Fast Neutron Spectrum Systems, Nuclear Technology
Reference:
Use of fast reactors for actinide transmutation. Proceedings of a specialists meeting, Obninsk, Russian Federation, 22-24 September 1992. Mar 1993.
International Atomic Energy Agency, Vienna (Austria)
IAEA-TECDOC--693, pp:24-30