Proliferation-resistant nuclear fuel cycles. [Spiking of plutonium with /sup 238/Pu]
The properties of plutonium containing unusually large proportions of the /sup 238/Pu isotope are considered in relation to resistance to nuclear proliferation. Several fuel cycle modifications for light-water reactors are evaluated. It is shown that the /sup 238/Pu isotopic concentration can be increased substantially from the approximately 1.5% in discharged fuel from reactors operating presently. Concentrations of 8 to 10% are readily achievable, and values approaching 20% may be practical. The increased /sup 238/Pu content is accomplished by increasing its production by recycling /sup 236/U (via recycle of uranium from spent fuel) and /sup 237/Np, and by decreasing production of isotopes heavier than mass 238 by substituting thorium for /sup 238/U. Impact on the fuel cycle appears to be no more severe than that from other proliferation-resistant concepts currently under consideration. The properties of such plutonium, particularly heat generation, may offer a viable deterrent to weapons use of the material by organizations without appropriate experience and technology, thereby substantially reducing the risk of nuclear proliferation.
- Research Organization:
- Oak Ridge National Lab., TN (USA)
- DOE Contract Number:
- W-7405-ENG-26
- OSTI ID:
- 6743129
- Report Number(s):
- ORNL/TM-6392
- Country of Publication:
- United States
- Language:
- English
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Related Subjects
055001* -- Nuclear Fuels-- Safeguards
Inspection
& Accountability-- Technical Aspects
11 NUCLEAR FUEL CYCLE AND FUEL MATERIALS
98 NUCLEAR DISARMAMENT, SAFEGUARDS, AND PHYSICAL PROTECTION
ACTINIDE ISOTOPES
ACTINIDE NUCLEI
ALPHA DECAY RADIOISOTOPES
DECAY
DENATURED FUEL
ENERGY SOURCES
EVEN-EVEN NUCLEI
FUEL CYCLE
FUELS
HEATING
HEAVY NUCLEI
ISOTOPES
NUCLEAR FUELS
NUCLEI
PLUTONIUM 238
PLUTONIUM ISOTOPES
PLUTONIUM RECYCLE
PROLIFERATION
RADIOISOTOPES
REACTOR MATERIALS
REACTORS
WATER COOLED REACTORS
YEARS LIVING RADIOISOTOPES