On the main objectives of transmutation cycles for long-lived fission products and minor actinides

Abstract

The present paper makes an effort to look at the problem of radiowaste from the view point of recent trends in fuel cycle development. Assuming nuclear fission as an energy source for a long-term perspective, the obvious goal of transmutation of fission products is to stop their accumulation or, in other words, to approach equilibrium state and keep this at easily manageable level. Characteristic time to approach equilibrium and loses in multirecycling are addressed in this paper as the most important criteria in selecting appropriate transmutation technology. For the minor actinides transmutation is proposed in a way to upgrade the proliferation resistance of the fuel cycles. Analysis given in the present paper reveals the favourable potential of external neutron sources in solving the transmutation problems.