Evolution prospective for the PUREX process

The PUREX process (Plutonium Uranium Refining by Extraction) remains the reference process for reprocessing nuclear fuels and its purification and safety performances are of a very high level; however, its evolution and enhancement are presently made necessary for a greater flexibility towards future fuels (new compositions and specifications) and for a similar reprocessing performance but at a lower cost and with even less waste volumes through new concentration techniques; these objectives could be reached with centrifugal extractors, process control optimization, process model integration, etc. Extraction of other elements than uranium and plutonium is also possible