Fast Reactors and Accelerator Driven Systems Knowledge Base

Conference Article: Fuel recycling and radwaste transmutation

Murogov, V.M.; Rabotnov, N.S.; Troyanov, M.F.; Tsikunov, A.G. (Gosudarstvennyj Komitet po Ispol'zovaniyu Atomnoj Ehnergii SSSR, Obninsk (Russian Federation). Fiziko-Ehnergeticheskij Inst.)

Abstract

Transmutation of actinides including plutonium is mainly considered because fission products transmutation is practically blocked by low absorption cross section of Sr-90. Tc-99 is the only likely candidate for transmutation among FP. Fast reactors are potentially the main tools of actinide burning. In thermal reactors low fission to absorption ratio for most of the isotopes leads to accumulation of very radiotoxic isotopes and to neutron losses. Radiochemical partitioning should be optimized to minimize irretrievable losses without unnecessary separation of fractions to improve economic efficiency. A calculational example of BN-800 reactor burning WWER-440 actinide discharge is considered. It results in the manifold reduction of the actinide inventory except curium. Some results and programme of transmutation related studies in IPPE are outlined and key issues of further research listed.

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key words: Fast Neutron Spectrum Systems, Nuclear Technology
Reference:
Safety and environmental aspects of partitioning and transmutation of actinides and fission products. Proceedings of a technical committee meeting, Vienna, 29 November - 2 December 1993
International Atomic Energy Agency, Vienna (Austria)
IAEA-TECDOC--783, pp:165-169