Scientists from the Fuel Division and the "Proryv" Project Direction of the Rosatom State Corporation have developed an innovative technology for cleaning and extracting nuclear materials from spent nuclear fuel (SNF). The crystallization refining technology, unlike previously known extraction technologies for cleaning nuclear materials, produces fewer secondary waste products. It will enhance the environmental safety of the SNF recycling process.
In practice, the technology will be fully implemented at the Module for Processing Irradiated Uranium-Plutonium SNUP Fuel as part of the Pilot Demonstration Energy Complex (ODEC), which is being built in Seversk, Tomsk Region, as part of the strategic industry project "Proryv."
The ODEC Processing Module scheme assumes that the crystallization section will complete the so-called "refining line," i.e., it will become the final technological stage in the chain of cleaning nuclear materials extracted from irradiated SNUP fuel—uranium, plutonium, and neptunium. The crystallization refining technology will ensure a high level of safety during SNF processing. The technological process will allow for the joint cleaning and extraction of uranium, plutonium, and neptunium, eliminating the possibility of extracting plutonium as a separate product. Thus, the technology fully complies with the nuclear materials non-proliferation regime.
The production and implementation of SNUP fuel in Russia will significantly expand the resource base of nuclear energy. The country will be able to utilize accumulated stocks of depleted uranium and recycle irradiated fuel assemblies to produce fresh fuel instead of storing them. At the same time, Russia will be able to radically reduce the formation of nuclear waste and its activity.
ODEC is a cluster of future nuclear technologies that includes three interconnected facilities, unparalleled in the world. These are:
- a module for the production (fabrication/refabrication) of nuclear fuel;
- a power unit with an innovative Generation IV fast neutron reactor, BREST-OD-300. This reactor will provide itself with the main energy component – plutonium-239, reproducing it from the uranium-238 isotope, which accounts for more than 99% of natural uranium ore. Currently, uranium-235, which accounts for about 0.7% in nature, is used for energy production in thermal reactors;
- a module for processing spent fuel. Materials extracted from SNF will be sent for refabrication after processing.
That is, for the first time in global practice, a nuclear power plant with a "fast" reactor and an on-site closed nuclear fuel cycle will be built on one site. Over time, this system will become almost autonomous and independent of external energy supplies.
Read more on the topic:
Construction of a Unique Module for the "Reactor of the Future" to be Completed in 2024
Russia Learns to Extract Rare and Non-Ferrous Metals from Old Lithium-Ion Batteries
Cold Tests of a Container for Spent Fuel Completed at the Novovoronezh Nuclear Power Plant
Panels from Russia Will Be Supplied to the International Thermonuclear Experimental Reactor
