Dry Processing of Used Nuclear Fuel

摘要: Dry (non-aqueous) separations technologies have been used for treatment of nuclear fuel since the 1960s, and they are still being developed demonstrated in many countries. offer potential advantages compared to traditional aqueous including: compactness, resistance radiation effects, criticality control benefits, compatibility with advanced types, ability produce low purity products. Within Department Energy’s Advanced Fuel Cycle Initiative, an electrochemical process employing molten salts is recycle fast reactor light water oxide a feed reactors. Much development this technology based on Experimental Breeder Reactor II (EBR-II) fuel, which metallic. Electrochemical EBR-II has ongoing Conditioning Facility, located at Materials Complex Idaho National Laboratory 1996. More than 3.8 metric tons heavy metal metallic treated using technology. This paper will summarize status demonstration activities including high-level waste work. A historic perspective background dry processing also be provided.