Impact of Rare Earth Recovery Fraction on Core Physics Parameters of the Korean SFR for TRU Transmutation

Kim, Sang Ji; Ha, Pham Nhu Viet; Lim, Jae Yong

doi:10.13182/nt15-53

Cited by 1 publication

(1 citation statement)

References 6 publications

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“…Alternatively (option 2), the TRUs can be recycled in SFRs after RE removal via pyroprocessing [4,16,17]. e RE content in the SFR fuels should be maintained low because the REs are neutron absorbers which disturb nuclear fission reactions [18]; thus, the RE removal process should be performed prior to fuel fabrication. If possible, TRU recycling is attractive in terms of the minimization of high-level radioactive waste.…”

Section: Resultsmentioning

confidence: 99%

Dissolution Behavior of Simulated Spent Nuclear Fuel in LiCl-KCl-UCl3 Molten Salt

Lee

Kim

Jang

et al. 2021

Science and Technology of Nuclear Installations

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Considering the necessity of the development of methods to reduce the burden of storage and disposal of high-level radioactive waste, in this study, we propose a nuclide separation technique using molten salt immersion. The dissolution behavior of simulated spent nuclear fuels (SSFs) immersed in a LiCl-KCl-UCl3 (LKU) molten salt at 500°C was investigated using a combination of thermodynamic and experimental studies. Surrogates of transuranic elements (TRUs), that is, rare earth elements (REs), in the SSFs were dissolved into the molten salt without any damage to the UO2 structure of the SSFs. The results suggest that the LKU salt technique can be used to separate REs and, potentially, TRUs from actual spent nuclear fuels (SNFs). It is thought that this technique is advantageous over the conventional TRU recovery techniques because the majority of the SNFs (i.e., UO2) remained stable, thus reducing the process burden. Several SNF treatment process options using this technique were suggested. This study will serve as a guide for future studies on the management of high-level waste discharged from nuclear reactors.

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