The accelerator transmutation of waste concept overview

Conference · Fri Jan 01 04:00:00 EST 1993 · Transactions of the American Nuclear Society; (United States)

OSTI ID:5694231

Dewey, H J ^[1]

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1. Los Alamos National Lab., NM (United States)

The accelerator transmutation of waste (ATW) concept is aimed at destroying key long-lived radionuclides (both actinides and fission products) in nuclear wastes, thereby reducing the long-term risks associated with the storage of such wastes. This technology could evolve into an approach to the production of fission power, utilizing abundant natural fuels and producing minimal long-lived nuclear waste. An ATW system would consist of the following components: 1. proton accelerator; 2. heavy-metal target; 3. moderating blanket; 4. thermal-to-electric power conversion plant; and 5. chemical separation facility. The linear accelerator provides a medium-energy, high-current proton beam that is directed at a heavy-metal target. The target converts the proton beam through spallation reactions into an intense neutron flux that is thermalized in the blanket region surrounding the target. The radioactive material to be transmuted is circulated through the blanket, where it undergoes neutron-induced reactions. Long-lived fission products undergo (n, [gamma]) reactions followed by beta decay, producing short-lived or stable products. The actinides are fissioned, producing additional neutrons and an assortment of fission products to reduce parasitic absorption in the blanket and to prevent further activation of these materials to long-lived radionuclides.

• OSTI ID: 5694231
• Report Number(s): CONF-930601--
• Conference Information: Journal Name: Transactions of the American Nuclear Society; (United States) Journal Volume: 68
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

Related Subjects

052002* -- Nuclear Fuels-- Waste Disposal & Storage
12 MANAGEMENT OF RADIOACTIVE AND NON-RADIOACTIVE WASTES FROM NUCLEAR FACILITIES
ACCELERATORS
ACTINIDES
BEAMS
ELEMENTS
FISSION PRODUCTS
HIGH-LEVEL RADIOACTIVE WASTES
ISOTOPES
MANAGEMENT
MATERIALS
METALS
NUCLEON BEAMS
PARTICLE BEAMS
PROTON BEAMS
RADIOACTIVE MATERIALS
RADIOACTIVE WASTE MANAGEMENT
RADIOACTIVE WASTE STORAGE
RADIOACTIVE WASTES
STORAGE
TECHNOLOGY ASSESSMENT
TRANSMUTATION
WASTE MANAGEMENT
WASTE STORAGE
WASTES