A high voltage head-end process for waste minimization and reprocessing of coated particle fuel for high temperature reactors

This paper describes results from experimental proof-of-principle tests to liberate coated particles and to fragment them. These tests were performed with surrogate fuel and coated particles in commercially available high voltage (HV) discharge installations. The product to be fragmented is poured into a vessel which is filled with water. An electrode delivering repetitive HV discharges under water is plunged into the vessel creating shock waves. Coated particles were liberated intact from their matrix and subsequently they were fragmented to sub-millimeter dimensions. The energy consumption is low and the installation is suitable for a hot cell environment and industrially relevant material streams. A process is proposed for the separation of the coated particles from the fuel element matrix. After further fragmentation of the coated particles, the fragmentation product can be directly fed into classical aqueous reprocessing. (authors)