Transmutation of selected fission products in a fast reactor.

摘要

A small fast reactor such as the Fast Flux Test Facility can be an effective device for destroying long-lived fission products such as (sup 99)Tc and (sup 129)I. There are several potential core configuration options using both fast and moderated neutron spectra. The calculated Doppler reactivity coefficient for (sup 99)Tc was 60% of the value for (sup 238)U on a per atom basis. Replacing (sup 238)U with (sup 99)Tc in waste burn applications has the positive attributes of reduced parasitic capture in uranium and enhanced fission product destruction, while retaining a substantial Doppler effect. A modular liquid metal reactor system could support about 8 to 10 comparably sized conventional light water reactors.