System study on the advanced fuel recycle

The Advanced Fuel Recycle System concept for future FBR system has been studied by means of optimization of interface condition between reprocessing and fabrication considering neutronic sensitivity of FBR. The concept consists of modified PUREX process having single extraction cycle to co-recover U, Pu and Np with low decontamination factor followed by crystallization and simplified fuel fabrication process such as the gelation followed by the vibro-packing which are maintained remotely. The concept reduces aqueous waste volume and enhances non-proliferation aspect. In the concept, both reprocessing and fabrication processes are installed in an integrated fuel recycle plant. According to the system study on the integrated plant, it becomes clear that the cost of the plant is economical enough even with the function to recycle minor actinides compared with that of conventional fuel cycle plant. (author)