Process technology prospects of reprocessing

The reprocessing of fast breeder reactor fuel makes great demands on further development and adaptation of the PUREX process in the chemical and process technology fields. In order to improve the cost structure, the space/time yields and the availability of process plants, examples are given of further development of existing process stages (reactor fuel dissolution, 1st extraction cycle, U/Pu purification, treatment of waste gas) and examples of the development of new process steps (electrical dissolving, electro-chemical centrifugal extractor for re-extraction of plutonium, crystallisation for uranium and plutonium purification). Other points for optimisation are measurement and control techniques and the choice of the right materials. Finally, there is reference to the effective exchange of knowhow in the research and development area and the necessity for international collaboration. (RB)