EDN: JPBMIY
Authors & Affiliations
Isanov K.A., Zakirov N.A., Gulevich A.V.
A.I. Leypunsky Institute for Physics and Power Engineering, Obninsk, Russia
Isanov K.A. – Research Engineer. Contacts: 1, pl. Bondarenko, Obninsk, Kaluga region, Russia, 249033. Tel.: +7 (981) 711-92-65; e-mail: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..
Zakirov N.A. – Research Engineer.
Gulevich A.V. – Head of Reactor Physics Department, Dr. Sci. (Phys.-Math.).
Abstract
A possible option for the development of nuclear energy is the transition to a closed nuclear fuel cycle (SNC) based on thermal and fast reactors – a two-component nuclear power system. A key role in the closed nuclear fuel cycle is played by a fast reactor, with the possibility of extended reproduction and improvement of the isotopic composition of plutonium — refining. The recycling of energy-efficient SNF plutonium in a fast reactor creates opportunities to improve the energy potential of plutonium and expand the fuel capacity.
According to various estimates, about 120, 100 and 15 tons of SNF plutonium have been accumulated at VVER, RBMK and BN nuclear power plants, respectively. The SNF plutonium of the VVER and RBMK nuclear power plants has medium and low energy potential for reuse without first improving the isotopic composition through recycling in a BN-1200 reactor.
In this work, a computational model of a BN-1200 reactor was compiled and the output of the core to the stationary overload mode was modeled. The proportion of recharge plutonium has been determined. To study the effectiveness of refining, 7 types of plutonium of various isotopic compositions were considered.
The material effects of plutonium reproduction and the spectral effects of isotopic composition improvement are investigated. The effect of the isotopic composition of plutonium on the total plutonium balance in the system has been determined. The balance of plutonium and HF in terms of fissile materials (FM) is considered. The contribution of the formation of spectral and material effects to the refinement of plutonium for various isotopic compositions has been determined.
Keywords
isotopic composition of plutonium, spent nuclear fuel, refinement of plutonium, improvement of isotopic composition, increase in the proportion of odd isotopes, reproduction coefficient, plutonium balance, plutonium reproduction, multiple recycling, BN type reactor
Article Text (PDF, in Russian)
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UDC 621.039.54
Problems of Atomic Science and Technology. Series: Nuclear and Reactor Constants, 2025, no. 3, 3:10
