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A survey of recent developments in the field of plutonium disposal by the application of advanced nuclear systems, both critical and subcritical. Current national R&D plans are summarized. The actinide-fuelled critical reactors are associated with control problems, since they tend to have a small delayed neutron fraction coupled with a small Doppler effect and a positive void coefficient. Current thinking is turning to accelerator-driven subcritical systems for the transmutation of actinides.
The book's conclusion is that the various systems proposed are technically feasible, even though not yet technically mature. The book presents a unique summary and evaluation of all relevant possibilities for burning surplus plutonium, presented by experts from a variety of different disciplines and interests, including the defence establishment. The obvious issue - the non-proliferation of nuclear weapons - is vital, but the matter represents a complex technological challenge that also requires an assessment in economic terms.
List of contents
1. Introduction to the Workshop; E.R. Merz. 2. View on the Problem of the Plutonium Utilization in Russia; A.M. Dmitriev. 3. Safety Aspects of Advanced Nuclear System Consuming Plutonium; E.F. Hicken. 4. Problems of Excess Plutonium Utilization in Nuclear Reactors; A.N. Chebeskov, et al. 5. Recent Neutron Physics Investigations on the Incineration of Plutonium and Other Transurania Elements; C.H.M. Broeders, et al. 6. The Benefits of an Advanced Fast Reactor Fuel Cycle for Plutonium Management; W.H. Hannum, et al. 7. Experience of SSC RF RINR on Usage of Uranium-Plutonium Oxide Fuel in Nuclear Reactors; V.B. Ivanov, et al. 8. Energy Source for the Human Demand; S. Hattori. 9. Plutonium-Based Nuclear Power and Nonproliferation; V.V. Orlov. 10. The Cost of Weapons Plutonium Disposition Through MOX Utilisation in Existing Commercial LWRs; K. Hesketh. 11. A Realistic Plutonium Elimination Scheme with Fast Energy Amplifiers and Thorium-Plutonium Fuel; C. Rubbia, et al. 12. Weapons Grade Plutonium Destruction in the Gas Turbine Modular Helium Reactor (GT-MHR); D. Alberstein. 13. Accelerator Driven Systems - Some Safety and Fuel Cycle Considerations; H. Rief, et al. 14. Advanced CANDU Systems for Plutonium Utilization; M. Salvatores, M. Delpech. 16. Burning of Weapon-Grade Plutonium in VVER and HTGR Reactors; N.N. Ponomarev-Stepnoy, et al. 17. Utilization of Excess Plutonium in Molten Salt Reactors; P.N. Alekseev, et al. 18. Accelerator-Driven Systems - A New Perspective on Fission Energy; W. Gudowski. 19. On Solving the Fissionable Materials Non-Proliferation Problem in the Closed Uranium-Thorium Cycle; V.E. Marshalkin, et al. 20. Destruction of Plutonium and Other Nuclear Waste Materials Using the Accelerator-Driven Transmutation of Waste Concept; F. Venneri. 21. Environmental and Safety Problems in Plutonium Utilization and Power Generation; L.A. Bolshov, et al. 22. Accelerator-Driven Transmutation System with Liquid Lead Cooling-Basic Conditions, Layout Goals and Results; P.-W. Phlippen. 23. Plutonium Problem and one of the Solution Techniques; Yu.A. Trutnev, et al. 24. The Utilitarian Approach to the Disposition of Plutonium; C.E. Walter. 25. Neutron Spectrum Concerning Ex-Weapon Plutonium Degradation and Plutonium Utilization in the Future; H. Sekimoto. 26. Problems of Radiochemical Reprocessing, Related to Plutonium Utilization; B. Zakharkin. 27. French Law on Waste Management Research &endash; General View on the Partitioning Program and Current State of Partitioning Studies; J. Lefevre. 28. Self-Regulating Processes in Nuclear Reactors; V.Ya. Goldin. Summaries of the Papers Presented at the Workshop. Workshop Summary and Evaluation.
Summary
This is a survey of current developments in the field of plutonium disposal by the application of advanced nuclear systems, both critical and subcritical. The volume draws the conclusion that various systems currently proposed are technically feasible though not yet technically mature.
