ORNL experience and perspectives related to processing of thorium and ²³³U for nuclear fuel

Journal Article · 01 May 2016 · Nuclear Technology

DOI: https://doi.org/10.13182/NT15-59 · OSTI ID:1327691

Croff, Allen G. ^[1]; Collins, Emory D. ^[2]; Del Cul, G. D. ^[2]; Wymer, R. G. ^[1]; Krichinsky, Alan M. ^[2]; Spencer, B. B. ^[2]; Patton, Brad D. ^[2]

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1. Vanderbilt Univ., Nashville, TN (United States)
2. Oak Ridge National Lab. (ORNL), Oak Ridge, TN (United States)

Thorium-based nuclear fuel cycles have received renewed attention in both research and public circles since about the year 2000. Much of the attention has been focused on nuclear fission energy production that utilizes thorium as a fertile element for producing fissionable ²³³U for recycle in thermal reactors, fast reactors, or externally driven systems. Here, lesser attention has been paid to other fuel cycle operations that are necessary for implementation of a sustainable thorium-based fuel cycle such as reprocessing and fabrication of recycle fuels containing ²³³U.

• Research Organization: Oak Ridge National Laboratory (ORNL), Oak Ridge, TN (United States)
• Sponsoring Organization: USDOE Office of Nuclear Energy (NE)
• Grant/Contract Number: AC05-00OR22725
• OSTI ID: 1327691
• Journal Information: Nuclear Technology, Vol. 194, Issue 2; ISSN 0029-5450
• Publisher: American Nuclear Society (ANS)Copyright Statement
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English