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http://dx.doi.org/10.7733/jnfcwt.2018.16.1.1

Basis for a Minimalistic Salt Treatment Approach for Pyroprocessing Commercial Nuclear Fuel  

Simpson, Michael F. (University of Utah, Department of Metallurgical Engineering)
Bagri, Prashant (University of Utah, Department of Metallurgical Engineering)
Publication Information
Journal of Nuclear Fuel Cycle and Waste Technology(JNFCWT) / v.16, no.1, 2018 , pp. 1-10 More about this Journal
Abstract
A simplified flowsheet for pyroprocessing commercial spent fuel is proposed in which the only salt treatment step is actinide drawdown from electrorefiner salt. Actinide drawdown can be performed using a simple galvanic reduction process utilizing the reducing potential of gadolinium metal. Recent results of equilibrium reduction potentials for Gd, Ce, Nd, and La are summarized. A description of a recent experiment to demonstrate galvanic reduction with gadolinium is reviewed. Based on these experimental results and material balances of the flowsheet, this new variant of the pyroprocessing scheme is expected to meet the objectives of minimizing cost, maximizing processing rate, minimizing proliferation risk, and optimizing the utilization of geologic repository space.
Keywords
Salt waste; Pyroprocessing; Drawdown;
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Times Cited By KSCI : 4  (Citation Analysis)
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