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ECN publication
Title:
Transmutation of nuclear waste: state-of-the-art: national and international research and strategy studies on partitioning and transmutation of actinides and fission products
 
Author(s):
 
Published by: Publication date:
ECN NUCLEAIR 1997
 
ECN report number: Document type:
ECN-I--97-029 Other
 
Number of pages: Full text:
52 Download PDF  

Abstract:
Since 1991 the Netherlands Energy Research Foundation (ECN) in Petten,Netherlands, runs a programme on recycling and transmutation of actinides and long-lived fission products that are present in the spent fuel from nuclear power generation. This programme, which is known under the Dutch acronym RAS, is concentrated on the following topics: reactor physics and scenario studies for transmutation, non-proliferation, thorium cycle, irradiations in the High Flux Reactor at Petten, chemical and material studies of fuels and targets, radiological effects and risks. In the present paper a short description of the achievements of the RAS programme is given. Next, the status of the international research on recycling of actinides and fission products is described. Strategies and (innovative) fuel cycle technology required for the recycling of plutonium, minor actinides and fission products are discussed and their possibilities and limits are identified. Also the potential of future options with low actinide production (thorium cycles, accelerators) is considered. Recommendations for future research in this field are given, taking into account the results of a review by a national committee of experts from government, science and industry. The future work should concentrate on: advanced partitioning methods for trivalent actinides, for which a break-through is required, transmutation of actinides using inert matrices as support (non-fissionable materials), studies using 100% MOX-PWRs, HWRs, HTRs and fast burners, innovative systems for future 'clean' energy production using thorium cycle and/or accelerators. It is emphasized that the radiological effects of all new concepts to be developed for recycling and transmutation should be analysed adequately. 6 figs., 14 tabs., 97 refs.


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