Evaluation of Methods for Decladding LWR Fuel for a Pyroprocessing-Based Reprocessing Plant
Abstract
This study is part of a larger program to identify the available methods that would permit the transuranic (TRU) elements in spent LWR fuel to be incorporated into the Integral Fast Reactor (IFR) fuel cycle where their fuel values are utilized while transmuting them to shorter-lived fission products (i. e., actinide burning). The purpose of this study is to identify LWR fuel decladding options. Acceptable decladding for LWR fuel reprocessing methods must be capable of nearly complete separation of the TRU elements from the cladding residues. An oxide reduction process for converting the metal oxides in LWR fuel to a metal form that is suitable as feed material to the pyrochemical-based ARP reprocessing/actinide partitioning flowsheet is being developed at Argonne National Laboratory (ANL). The flowsheet is presently undergoing small-scale testing and characterization at ANL. In a previous study, a panel of experts at ORNL identified several conceptual flowsheet options for converting LWR fuel to forms suitable for the IFR fuel cycle.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Oct 01, 1992
- Accession Number
- ADA275326
Entities
People
- G. E. Michaels
- J. C. Mailen
- W. D. Bond
Organizations
- Oak Ridge National Laboratory