EDN: SRHDKS
Authors & Affiliations
Kolesov V.V.1, Korobeynikov V.V.2, Isanov K.A.2, Pupko L.P.2
1 Obninsk Institute for Nuclear Power Engineering of the National Research Nuclear University, Obninsk, Russia
2 A.I. Leypunsky Institute for Physics and Power Engineering, Obninsk, Russia
Korobeinikov V.V.2 – Chief Researcher, Professor, Dr. Sci. (Phys.-Math.). Contacts: 1, pl. Bondarenko, Obninsk, Kaluga region, Russia, 249033. Tel.: +7 (484) 399-70-00(80-56), +7 (910) 863-70-98; e-mail: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..
Isanov K.A.2 – Research Engineer.
Pupko L.P.2 – Research Fellow.
Kolesov V.V.1 – Associate Professor, Dr. Sci. (Phys.-Math.).
Abstract
Theoretical and computational studies of the possibility of using minor actinides as burnable absorbers in fast neutron reactors have been conducted. Fast neutron reactors are considered not only as a means of producing electrical and thermal energy and effectively increasing the fuel life, but also as a means of utilizing accumulated minor actinides.
Am with different nuclide compositions and Np-237 were used for the studies. The computational studies considered uranium and MOX fuels using different amounts of Am and Np oxide additives. The influence of spectral effects on different types and amounts of additives in uranium and MOX fuel for thermal and fast neutron reactors has been estimated. A comparison of fuel options in terms of the efficiency of burning minor actinides Am and Np has been made.
The work has investigated the amount of uranium and plutonium savings when adding Am or Np-237 to the fuel. It is evident that in options without Am or Np additives, the uranium consumption increases significantly. Thus, we can talk about obtaining additional thermal and electrical energy by burning long-lived high-level waste Am-241 and Np-237 in nuclear reactors.
It has been shown that americium used as an additive to MOX or uranium fuel in a fast neutron reactor allows not only to reduce the initial reactivity reserve, but also to significantly extend the reactor campaign.
Keywords
transmutation, burning of minor actinides, spent fuel, radioactivity, biological hazard, storage of spent fuel, neutron spectrum, heterogeneity
Article Text (PDF, in Russian)
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UDC 621.039.54(04)
Problems of Atomic Science and Technology. Series: Nuclear and Reactor Constants, 2024, no. 4, 4:10
