Journal of Nuclear Fuel Cycle and Waste Technology(JNFCWT) (방사성폐기물학회지)

Korean Radioactive Waste Society (한국방사성폐기물학회)
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Basis for a Minimalistic Salt Treatment Approach for Pyroprocessing Commercial Nuclear Fuel

  • Simpson, Michael F. (University of Utah, Department of Metallurgical Engineering) ;
  • Bagri, Prashant (University of Utah, Department of Metallurgical Engineering)
  • Received : 2017.06.05
  • Accepted : 2018.02.20
  • Published : 2018.03.30
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Abstract

A simplified flowsheet for pyroprocessing commercial spent fuel is proposed in which the only salt treatment step is actinide drawdown from electrorefiner salt. Actinide drawdown can be performed using a simple galvanic reduction process utilizing the reducing potential of gadolinium metal. Recent results of equilibrium reduction potentials for Gd, Ce, Nd, and La are summarized. A description of a recent experiment to demonstrate galvanic reduction with gadolinium is reviewed. Based on these experimental results and material balances of the flowsheet, this new variant of the pyroprocessing scheme is expected to meet the objectives of minimizing cost, maximizing processing rate, minimizing proliferation risk, and optimizing the utilization of geologic repository space.

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References

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