Civex: a diversion-proof plutonium fuel cycle

Journal Article · Sat Apr 01 04:00:00 EST 1978 · EPRI J.; (United States)

OSTI ID:7100163

The Civex process for extracting plutonium from spent nuclear fuel would make it both economically and technically impractical to divert plutonium for unlawful weapons use. Plans to reprocess plutonium for reuse in light-water and breeder reactors were stopped by the Carter Administration until the threat of proliferation can be solved. A joint project of the Electric Power Research Institute (EPRI) and the United Kingdom, Civex represents a civilian-based concept expected to have global appeal. A Civex reprocessing plant separates out wastes with concentrations of uranium and plutonium that are too dilute to be useful but radioactive enough to require physical protection. The reprocessing and refabrication of new fuel is combined in the same facility for further security. Proponents are hopeful that Civex will reopen the breeder reactor option.

• OSTI ID: 7100163
• Journal Information: EPRI J.; (United States), Journal Name: EPRI J.; (United States) Vol. 3:3; ISSN EPRJD
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

Related Subjects

050800 -- Nuclear Fuels-- Spent Fuels Reprocessing
11 NUCLEAR FUEL CYCLE AND FUEL MATERIALS
29 ENERGY PLANNING, POLICY, AND ECONOMY
290600* -- Energy Planning & Policy-- Nuclear Energy
ACTINIDES
BREEDER REACTORS
CIVEX PROCESS
ELEMENTS
ENERGY SOURCES
EPRI
EUROPE
FUEL CYCLE
FUELS
METALS
NUCLEAR FUELS
PLUTONIUM
PROLIFERATION
RADIOACTIVE MATERIALS
RADIOACTIVE WASTES
REACTOR MATERIALS
REACTORS
RECOMMENDATIONS
REPROCESSING
RESEARCH PROGRAMS
SAFEGUARDS
SECURITY
SEPARATION PROCESSES
THEFT
TRANSURANIUM ELEMENTS
UNITED KINGDOM
WASTES