Activation calculations for multiple recycling of breeder ceramics by melt processing

Abstract

Multiple tritium breeder recycling is an attractive option to make a future fusion power reactor ecologically and economically sustainable. This research project aims at exploring the feasibility of multiple breeder ceramics recycling by remelting with regard to the activation behavior. The average activation level of multiple reused breeder pebbles is calculated for a DEMO reactor with HCPB (Helium Cooled Pebble Bed) blankets on the assumption that all spent pebbles are mixed and reprocessed by remelting. The calculation loop verifies the feasibility of a multiple reprocessing scheme with an acceptable waiting period of approximately 22y for the remote handling dose rate level—even after 15 times recycling. This paper also describes the limitation of the current approach for the average activation property and provides some recommendations for future improvements.