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Design criteria for an HTGR reference fuel reprocessing plant

Technical Report ·
DOI:https://doi.org/10.2172/5386528· OSTI ID:5386528

Design criteria are given for a conceptual reprocessing plant capable of processing HTGR-type graphite-based fuel. The single-purpose plant is designed to reprocess 260 metric tons of fuel per year consisting of HTGR reference-type and Fort St. Vrain fuel plus a small amount of Peach Bottom fuel. The design incorporates a burn-leach type headend, separate modified Acid-thorex flowsheets for solvent extraction recovery of the heavy metals from both the fertile and fissile particles, and denitration of both the U-233 and U-235; in addition, extended storage of thorium as a nitrate solution is provided, high- and intermediate-level wastes are converted to granular solids in a fluidized-bed calciner and stored indefinitely on site, and low-level waste is essentially completely decontaminated. These design criteria will be used by an Architect-Engineer to prepare a capital cost estimate for the conceptual plant. The cost estimate will be part of an HTGR Reference Plant Study to develop a reprocessing charge for those HTGR fuels that will be received by the AEC for financial settlement.

Research Organization:
Idaho Nuclear Corp., Idaho Falls (USA)
OSTI ID:
5386528
Report Number(s):
CI-1133
Country of Publication:
United States
Language:
English