Enhancing transmutation rates of minor actinides using Zr and Y hydride and deuteride coatings in an LFR

Abstract

The possibility of transmutation of minor actinides (MAs) in lead-cooled fast reactors provides an excellent opportunity to reduce the overall repository of radioactive waste. The present work seeks to augment the transmutation rates of six minor actinides (237Np, 241Am, 243Am, 243Cm, 244Cm, and 245Cm) by increasing neutron capture through the use of moderator coatings around the fuel elements. The reference design for the fuel assembly was based on the design concept of ALFRED, the European Lead Cooled Demonstrator Reactor, and consists of 127 fuel elements loaded with 5 wt.% of minor actinides (MAs) homogeneously mixed with MOX (mixed oxide) fuel. Four different moderators (ZrH1.6, ZrD1.6, YH2, and YD2) with five different coating thicknesses (0.01 cm, 0.02 cm, 0.03 cm, 0.04 cm, and 0.05 cm) were selected for this study and variation in kinf, transmutation rates and fuel cycle parameters (employing the linear reactivity model or LRM) were determined. Results showed that both the addition of a moderator and the increase in moderator thickness improved transmutation rates but had a negative impact on fuel cycle parameters. ZrH1.6 resulted in the highest increase in transmutation rate, but also incurred the largest penalties in fuel burnup, and cycle length. For ZrH1.6 coatings of 0.01 cm, the obtained transmutation rates were 13.57%/y for 237Np, 12.6%/y for 241Am, and 9.26%/y for 243Am. The concentration of Cm isotopes increased over time due to neutron capture of Am, U, and Pu. Deuteride moderators minimized the decrease in fuel cycle parameters but compromised transmutation rates. The fuel temperature coefficient (FTC), energy dependent neutron flux, and relative pin power distribution of the reference design and the models were also determined in order to analyze the effect of moderator addition on these factors. Finally, a suggestion of the best model was put forth in consideration of both transmutation efficiency and fuel cycle parameters.