Izvestiya vuzov. Yadernaya Energetika

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

Experimental Evaluation of the Effectiveness of Heterogeneous Burning of Minor Actinides in the Lateral Blankets of a Sodium Coolant Fast Reactors

5/18/2026 2026 - #02 Physics and Technology of Nuclear Reactors

Izhutov A.L. Kornilov D.A. Naboyshchikov Yu.V. Zhemkov I.Yu. Merkulov A.I. Ishunina O.V. Momotov V.N. Abramov S.V. Tikhonova D.E. Shevlyakov G.V. Ugryumov A.V. Pidoprigora E.V. Khomyakov A.Yu.

DOI: https://doi.org/10.26583/npe.2026.2.06

UDC: 621.039.51

The paper addresses the problem of minor actinide (MA) disposal, which are generated in nuclear fuel of power reactors. The relevance of the study is determined by the high radiotoxicity and long half-life of MA (neptunium and americium), which pose significant hazards in the storage of spent nuclear fuel. The paper presents the results of experimental studies confirming the efficiency of heterogeneous MA burning in the lateral shields of sodium-cooled fast neutron reactors. Tests of three batches of experimental MA burning elements (MABEL) containing MA oxides (NpO2 and AmO2) were conducted in the BOR-60 reactor. The experiments were carried out in two neutron spectrum: in a hard neutron spectrum (at the boundary between the core and the lateral shield); in a softened neutron spectrum (at the periphery of the lateral shield with using moderator). The article describes the scenario and key neutron-physical characterizations of the experiment. An analysis was performed of post-irradiation examination research of the MABEL and radiochemical studies of the irradiated MA. The paper presents a comparison of computational and experimental data on MA burning efficiency in the lateral shield of a sodium-cooled fast reactor. The experiments confirmed higher MA burn-up rates in the softened neutron spectrum. Computational and experimental data for the main nuclides agree within 4–5%. The feasibility of MABEL fabrication via vibration compaction and the possibility of processing irradiated MA have been demonstrated. Reactor tests of MABEL with recycled MA have been completed. It is concluded that MA disposal in the lateral shields of sodium-cooled fast reactors using the technology of heterogeneous MA burning in a softened neutron spectrum is promising. Reactor tests of models of MABEL to substantiate the parameters for a demonstration experiment on MA disposal in the BN-800 power reactor in the BOR-60 are planned.

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minor actinides heterogeneous burning lateral blanket of fast neutron reactors experimental studies softened neutron spectrum

Link for citing the article: Izhutov A.L., Kornilov D.A., Naboyshchikov Yu.V., Zhemkov I.Yu., Merkulov A.I., Ishunina O.V., Momotov V.N., Abramov S.V., Tikhonova D.E., Shevlyakov G.V., Ugryumov A.V., Pidoprigora E.V., Khomyakov A.Yu. Experimental Evaluation of the Effectiveness of Heterogeneous Burning of Minor Actinides in the Lateral Blankets of a Sodium Coolant Fast Reactors. Izvestiya vuzov. Yadernaya Energetika. 2026, no. 2, pp. 83-96; DOI: https://doi.org/10.26583/npe.2026.2.06 (in Russian).

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