Reprocessing of spent fast reactor nuclear fuels

Fast reactor (FR) fuel reprocessing, due to the higher concentration of plutonium and fission products, throws up enormous challenges in terms of designing and operating facilities safely. Though it is possible to reprocess FR spent fuel using nonaqueous processes, it will be advantageous to deploy the time-tested PUREX process, if it can be adapted, as vast experience is available in the operation of such facilities. Various challenges in adapting the PUREX process for the high plutonium concentration bearing FR spent fuels are described. These are challenges that have been identified and addressed in the operation of the CORAL facility that has been successfully operating in India over the past 10 years. Substantial experience has been accumulated with reprocessing spent fuel from the fast breeder test reactor in this facility. An account of the current status of FR fuel reprocessing in India and other countries is given in this chapter. (author)