PROBLEMS OF ATOMIC SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY
Series: Nuclear and Reactor Constants

since 1971

Русский (РФ)

ISSN 2414-1038 (online)

STUDY OF BN TYPE REACTOR LAYOUT EFFECTS ON PLUTONIUM ISOTOPIC COMPOSITION AND BALANCE

EDN: RAGEBY

Authors & Affiliations

Isanov K. A., Zakirov N. A., Eliseev V. A., Gulevich A. V., Vasiliev M. O.
A.I. Leypunsky Institute for Physics and Power Engineering, Obninsk, Russia

Isanov K.A. – Researcher. 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. – Junior Researcher; Eliseev V.A. – Leading Researcher, Cand. Sci. (Tech.).
Gulevich A.V. – Head of the Department of Reactor Physics, Dr. Sci. (Phys.-Math.).
Vasiliev M.O. – Intern.

Abstract

The transition of nuclear power to a closed nuclear fuel cycle (SNF) is one of the main tasks of the near future. The need to switch to SNF is caused by the depletion of natural uranium reserves, as well as the accumulation of energetic plutonium and minor actinides in spent nuclear fuel (SNF). The implementation of the nuclear power plant is possible due to the fundamental functions and capabilities of fast reactors – improving the isotopic composition and enhanced reproduction of plutonium during recycling. Depending on the structure of the nuclear power system and the number of components during the transition to the nuclear power plant, the issue of optimizing the balance and reproduction coefficient of plutonium, as well as the material balances of minor actinides, is relevant.
Fast reactors have the optional ability to optimize and maximize the material balance and reproduction rate of plutonium by involving different reproduction zones. Thus, the presence of reproduction zones affects not only the balance, but also the isotopic composition of recycled plutonium.
The paper considers various layout options for the core and axial interlayer, using the lower end and side reproduction zones. The influence of various arrangements on the formation of the isotopic composition of plutonium, the reproduction coefficient and the balance of plutonium during multiple recycling, stabilization and equilibrium is investigated. The influence of the arrangements on the balance characteristics of minor actinides and the volume of SNF processing was also determined.

Keywords
isotopic composition of plutonium, spent nuclear fuel, plutonium recycling, reproduction coefficient, plutonium balance, blanks, screens, lower end zone of reproduction, lateral zone of reproduction, equilibrium plutonium, reactor type BN

Article Text (PDF, in Russian)

References

UDC 621.039.54

Problems of Atomic Science and Technology. Series: Nuclear and Reactor Constants, 2026, no. 2, 2:4