Comparison of Advanced Processing of Irradiated UO{sub 2} Fuels and NpO{sub 2} Targets
- Oak Ridge National Laboratory, Oak Ridge, TN 37831 (United States)
Advanced processing methods for UO{sub 2}-based used nuclear fuels have been developed and demonstrated in several experimental programs at the Oak Ridge National Laboratory's Radiochemical Engineering Development Center (REDC). The Consolidated Fuel Recycle Program (1979-1986) and the Advanced Fuel Cycle Initiative (2002- 2008) were sponsored by the U.S. Department of Energy Office of Nuclear Energy (DOE/NE). Currently, DOE/NE is administering a new program for the National Aeronautics and Space Administration to produce {sup 238}Pu by irradiating NpO{sub 2}, and the irradiated targets are to be chemically processed using the same equipment and shielded facilities in the REDC that were used previously to process irradiated UO{sub 2}-based fuels. Flowsheets for processing irradiated NpO{sub 2} targets are now being developed and demonstrated. There are both similarities and differences in the processing of the two types of irradiated fuels/targets, and a comparison of these is useful for application to new types of feed material. A comparison of similarities and differences for processing UO{sub 2}- and NpO{sub 2}-based feed materials has been useful in planning for advanced processing methods and new requirements. Use of existing multistage solvent extraction equipment and shielded processing facilities at the ORNL REDC has enabled development, demonstration, and application of new and improved separations methods. (authors)
- OSTI ID:
- 22991863
- Journal Information:
- Transactions of the American Nuclear Society, Vol. 114, Issue 1; Conference: Annual Meeting of the American Nuclear Society, New Orleans, LA (United States), 12-16 Jun 2016; Other Information: Country of input: France; 3 refs.; Available from American Nuclear Society - ANS, 555 North Kensington Avenue, La Grange Park, IL 60526 United States; ISSN 0003-018X
- Country of Publication:
- United States
- Language:
- English
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