Fast Reactors and Accelerator Driven Systems Knowledge Base

Conference Article: Comparison of possible partitioning and transmutation schemes when added to the existing nuclear fuel cycle

Koch, L.; Nicolaou, G. (Commission of the European Communities, Karlsruhe (Germany). European Inst. for Transuranium Elements)

Abstract

There have been several concepts proposed for partitioning and transmutation. Those relying on existing reactors are by far more advanced. For this purpose, fuels are already under development which contain minor actinides and 99Tc. They are being tested under irradiation in fast and thermal neutron fluxes. The status will be described. The partitioning of long-lived radionuclides from the present fuel cycle is being developed and flow sheets are under investigation. A comparison of the present to the expected performance will be made. So far, accumulated experience allows for a comparison of partitioning and transmutation schemes with the present conventional reprocessing and the directly storage of spent fuels. An assessment of the possible reduction of the radiological risk - after the release of radiotoxic nuclides from a repository - is given.

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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:195-201