Neutronics and processing performance for the accelerator transmutation of waste (ATW) target/blanket system
- Los Alamos National Laboratory, NM (United States)
A detailed assessment of the target-blanket performance of an Accelerator Transmutation of Waste (ATW) system has been performed for a preconceptual, aqueous-based reference design. The performance analyses required that detailed neutronics calculations for the target and blanket systems to be coupled with blanket processing. This coupling is at a complex interface, and both neutronic and processing requirements strongly impact system performance. The neutronics analyses have integrated the goals of (1) high neutron source strength in the target region (2) high neutron multiplication and efficient neutron economy in the blanket region, and (3) large fission/transmutation rates per unit inventory in the blanket. The neutronic calculations have been fully coupled with both time-dependent and steady-state processing using a depletion code. Depletion calculations are critical for determining blanket design and performance. Isotopic concentrations in the various subsystems effect both the transmutation rates as well as the chemical processing required by the system. In the blanket, accurate isotopic data are required in order to predict not only equilibrium performance, but also transient system performance during startup and pre-equilibrium stages. The depletion analysis also allowed the calculation of blanket inventories and concentrations of the transmutation products. This is essential to determine parasitic absorption, which strongly effects blanket multiplication and neutron economy requirements. It was found that the parasitic adsorption is dependent on both flux level and processing time. Isotopic and elemental concentrations in the various blanket/processing loops and subsystems were also calculated.
- OSTI ID:
- 141176
- Report Number(s):
- CONF-930304-; TRN: 93:003688-0851
- Resource Relation:
- Conference: 205. American Chemical Society national meeting, Denver, CO (United States), 28 Mar - 2 Apr 1993; Other Information: PBD: 1993; Related Information: Is Part Of 205th ACS national meeting; PB: 1951 p.
- Country of Publication:
- United States
- Language:
- English
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