The enhanced reprocessing option, which eliminates the thermal actinides from the vitrified waste stream, by limiting a residual power in the wasteform, reduces the necessary disposal volume and/or shortens the interim storage time prior to disposal. From the thermal waste standpoint, the zeolite conditioning matrix, used with the Pyrochemical process results in a less concentrated final wasteform than the glass package produced by the PUREX process. Conversely, if the thermal constraints of a geological repository are taken into account, the lower specific power of the wasteform can eithet allow geological disposal at an earlier date than for the glass packages (after 10 years of interim storage rather than 40 years for the PUREX process) or assuming the same interim storage time for both precesses, allow geological disposal of the larger waste flow in a volume comparable to that required for the PUREX waste glass. Reprocessing of fuel with a high plutonium content, is possible with the Pyrochemical process.. However, efforts must be undertaken in Europe to acquire a sufficient expertise in pyrochemical separation technique.
Feasibility of CAPRA Fuel Reprocessing - Evaluation of Possible Partitioning and Transmutation Strategies and of Means for Implementing Them
2000-07-01
Abstract
The enhanced reprocessing option, which eliminates the thermal actinides from the vitrified waste stream, by limiting a residual power in the wasteform, reduces the necessary disposal volume and/or shortens the interim storage time prior to disposal. From the thermal waste standpoint, the zeolite conditioning matrix, used with the Pyrochemical process results in a less concentrated final wasteform than the glass package produced by the PUREX process. Conversely, if the thermal constraints of a geological repository are taken into account, the lower specific power of the wasteform can eithet allow geological disposal at an earlier date than for the glass packages (after 10 years of interim storage rather than 40 years for the PUREX process) or assuming the same interim storage time for both precesses, allow geological disposal of the larger waste flow in a volume comparable to that required for the PUREX waste glass. Reprocessing of fuel with a high plutonium content, is possible with the Pyrochemical process.. However, efforts must be undertaken in Europe to acquire a sufficient expertise in pyrochemical separation technique.I documenti in IRIS sono protetti da copyright e tutti i diritti sono riservati, salvo diversa indicazione.
