The reprocessing of PEC reactor fuel: an advanced approach to the FBR fuel cycle

Reference is made to the PEC reactor and to the ITREC pilot reprocessing plant. The AMPEC programme covering certain aspects of FBR fuel reprocessing is described, beginning with the final product conversion step, through the solvent extraction, towards the head-end section. The subject is covered in sections: the U-Pu coprecipitation; activity and impurities associated with the coprecipitated product; the U/Pu partial partition; the automatic control of the U-Pu product stream; other reprocessing steps in the AMPEC programme. (U.K.)