Are fast reactors necessary for full actevide recycle?

E. D. Collins, C. W. Alexander, G. D. Del Cul, J. P. Renier

Research output: Chapter in Book/Report/Conference proceedingConference contributionpeer-review

4 Scopus citations

Abstract

Average cross-section data have been used to clearly show the actinide transmutation pathway from 239Pu to 252Cf, and recent modeling studies have been performed to compare the relative capabilities for transmutation of the actinides in either thermal or fast spectrum neutron irradiations. The results showed that in multiple partitioning-transmutation (P-T) cycles, the inventory of residual minor actinides can approach equilibrium in a similar manner in either thermal or fast spectrum irradiations if prior to irradiation in thermal spectrum reactors, the used nuclear fuel components are allowed to decay for >30 years prior to reprocessing and recycle, and blending of all recycle fuel and targets occurs in each P-T cycle. These conditions are necessary to prevent formation of excess americium-243 and curium.

Original languageEnglish
Title of host publication14th International High-Level Radioactive Waste Management Conference, IHLRWMC 2013
Subtitle of host publicationIntegrating Storage, Transportation, and Disposal
Pages783-789
Number of pages7
StatePublished - 2013
Event14th International High-Level Radioactive Waste Management Conference: Integrating Storage, Transportation, and Disposal, IHLRWMC 2013 - Albuquerque, NM, United States
Duration: Apr 28 2013May 2 2013

Publication series

Name14th International High-Level Radioactive Waste Management Conference, IHLRWMC 2013: Integrating Storage, Transportation, and Disposal
Volume2

Conference

Conference14th International High-Level Radioactive Waste Management Conference: Integrating Storage, Transportation, and Disposal, IHLRWMC 2013
Country/TerritoryUnited States
CityAlbuquerque, NM
Period04/28/1305/2/13

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