Development of thermal plutonium recycling

Journal Article · Fri May 01 04:00:00 EDT 1987 · Nuclear Technology; (USA)

OSTI ID:5412064

Roepenack, H ^[1]; Schlemmer, F U; Schlosser, G J ^[2]

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1. Alkem GmbH, Rodenbacher Chaussee 6, 6450 Hanau (DE)
2. Kraftwerk Union A.G., Erlangen (Germany, F.R.)

Thermal plutonium recycling has been demonstrated on a large scale since 1972 in power plants at Obrigheim and Gundremmingen, Federal Republic of Germany (FRG). An improved mixed-oxide (MOX) fuel fabrication technology has been available since 1981. Such improved MOX fuel is currently being used at Obrigheim, Neckarwestheim, Unterweser, Grafenrheinfeld, FRG, and Beznau 2, Switzerland. The MOX fuel assemblies currently inserted exhibit an operating performance that is comparable to that of uranium fuel assemblies. Postirradiation investigations on MOX fuel show high mechanical stability, low shrinkage and swelling, and good behavior during power transients. On the basis of this experience, large-scale use of MOX fuel is technically feasible.

• OSTI ID: 5412064
• Journal Information: Nuclear Technology; (USA), Journal Name: Nuclear Technology; (USA) Vol. 77:2; ISSN NUTYB; ISSN 0029-5450
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

Related Subjects

21 SPECIFIC NUCLEAR REACTORS AND ASSOCIATED PLANTS
220700* -- Nuclear Reactor Technology-- Plutonium & Isotope Production Reactors
EUROPE
FEASIBILITY STUDIES
FEDERAL REPUBLIC OF GERMANY
FUEL CYCLE
FUEL FABRICATION PLANTS
MIXED OXIDE FUEL FABRICATION PLANTS
NUCLEAR FACILITIES
NUCLEAR POWER PLANTS
PLUTONIUM RECYCLE
POWER PLANTS
TECHNOLOGY ASSESSMENT
THERMAL CYCLING
THERMAL POWER PLANTS
WESTERN EUROPE