Actinide burning by heterogeneous once-through cycle in a PWR

To burn long lived radionuclides (LLR) an approach is proposed, based on target material irradiation in a PWR by heterogeneous once-through cycle (HOTC). Special pins made by LLR oxides mixed with an inert matrix are arranged in cross-shaped assemblies to be placed between fuel elements. This approach allows a target material management independent of that of the fuel and may be of importance when considering the long times required to reduce the radiotoxicity of an actinide mixture or the shorter ones sufficient to burn specific isotopes such as 237Np or 241Am. (author)