Power reactor fuel cycle based on non-aqueous technologies

Full text: For the last 30 years, RIAR has been conducting research on development of the advanced closed fuel cycle using pyrochemical reprocessing of irradiated fuel and obtaining of granulate that is immediately suitable for fabrication of fuel pins by the vibropacking method. Pyrochemical reprocessing and the vibropacking technology allow implementation of the process of granulated fuel production and fuel pin fabrication in the remote and automated mode. These capabilities ensure cardinal improvement of all basic performance of the fuel cycle: economy, safety, and ecological effect on the environment, which provides real background for manufacturing application of the new production processes. By now, RIAR specialists have formulated and experimentally validated the basic principles of the advanced closed fuel cycle of fast reactors that is based on mutual compatibility of the U-Pu fuel regeneration technology and the fuel pin fabrication technology: employment of 'dry' pyrochemical processes for reprocessing of irradiated fuel with production of granulated oxide fuel; employment of the vibropacking method for fabrication of fuel elements from granulated fuel; application of remotely controlled automated equipment to fuel reprocessing, fuel pin and FA fabrication. The experimental basis for working through of the above-stated principles is the Pilot Research Complex (OIK), which includes: the Facility for granulated fuel fabrication and the Facility for fuel pin and FA fabrication. The fabricated fuel pins and FAs are tested in the BOR-60 and BN-600 reactors. (author)