The fuel cycle effect of /sup 236/U in pressurized water reactors

Journal Article · Thu Jan 31 23:00:00 EST 1985 · Nucl. Technol.; (United States)

OSTI ID:6403891

Parvez, A

The effect of the introduction of /sup 236/U because of the recycling of nuclear fuel has been determined for a typical pressurized water reactor fuel cycle. It has been estimated that an extra 0.255 g of /sup 235/U is required for each gram of /sup 236/U present at the beginning of exposure. In terms of cost, the additional /sup 235/U translates into an about1% increase in the fuel cost for every gram of /sup 236/U. The value of the uranium component of the exposed fuel has also been calculated in terms of the savings in separative work and the feed requirements resulting from the use of recycled uranium. While the exact value depends on the fuel cycle component costs and the relative concentrations of /sup 235/U and /sup 236/U, it is estimated that even after accounting for the presence of /sup 236/U, the use of reprocessed uranium may result in a total saving of about14% in ore and enrichment costs. It was also found that upon repeated recycling, /sup 236/U reaches an equilibrium concentration, but only if the recycled fuel ratio in the feed to enrichment plant is limited to about 1 part in 5.

• Research Organization: Purdue University, School of Nuclear Engineering, West Lafayette, Indiana
• OSTI ID: 6403891
• Journal Information: Nucl. Technol.; (United States), Journal Name: Nucl. Technol.; (United States) Vol. 68:2; ISSN NUTYB
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

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