Izvestiya vuzov. Yadernaya Energetika

The peer-reviewed scientific and technology journal. ISSN: 0204-3327

Computational Analysis of the Closed Fuel Cycle of a VVER-1200 Reactor Based on Plutonium From Spent Nuclear Fuel

6/05/2024 2024 - #02 Modelling processes at nuclear facilities

Isanov K.A. Kolesov V.V. Korobeynikov V.V. Usanov V.I. Khnykina E.S.

DOI: https://doi.org/10.26583/npe.2024.2.15

UDC: 621.039.59

The article provides a computational analysis of the closure of the nuclear fuel cycle for plutonium in the variant of fully loading the core of a VVER-1200 reactor with MOX fuel, ensuring multiple recycling of plutonium. The main factors shaping the need to involve plutonium in the fuel cycle and close the fuel cycle are identified and analyzed. To form the fuel composition, several sources of plutonium were considered, namely: low-background plutonium and plutonium from spent fuel from VVER, BN and RBMK reactors. Reserves of energy-grade plutonium of various origins, including high-quality plutonium, have been found in open published sources. During the work, the quality of each type of plutonium and their value in the thermal spectrum of the reactor were taken into account. The starting load for each type of loaded plutonium, the share of make- up plutonium after the system is brought to a stationary level, as well as the disadvantages and advantages of each of the types of plutonium under consideration are determined. Strategies for single, double and multiple involvement of plutonium are considered. Based on the data obtained, estimates were made of the rate of burning plutonium from spent fuel stocks, as well as an assessment of the savings of natural uranium. Based on an assessment of the efficiency of plutonium from spent nuclear fuel from different sources, the most suitable options for the initial loading and replenishment of VVER-1200 with MOX fuel were selected. The calculated plutonium content in MOX fuel of a VVER-1200 reactor with multiple recycling of plutonium from spent fuel from VVER and BN, selected close to the level used in practice in light water reactors with one third of the load with such fuel, indicates the fundamental possibility of closing the nuclear fuel cycle thermal plutonium reactor.

Additionally, the work assessed the increase in the accumulation of minor actinides - americium and curium when implementing the option of afterburning the accumulated plutonium in a closed cycle of a thermal reactor. The rates of their accumulation, as well as the quality of the produced americium and curium, are presented.

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fuel cycles closed nuclear fuel cycle MOX-fuel spent fuel stationary fuel cycle

Link for citing the article: Isanov K.A., Kolesov V.V., Korobeynikov V.V., Usanov V.I., Khnykina E.S. Computational Analysis of the Closed Fuel Cycle of a VVER-1200 Reactor Based on Plutonium From Spent Nuclear Fuel. Izvestiya vuzov. Yadernaya Energetika. 2024, no. 2, pp. 185-201; DOI: https://doi.org/10.26583/npe.2024.2.15 (in Russian).

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