Radiochemistry and Fuel Cycle

Radiochemistry research trends

  • Develop SNF reprocessing technologies and involvement of weapons-grade and reactor-grade plutonium into the fuel cycle using pyrochemical methods.
  • Develop pyrochemical technologies to generate nuclear fuel and fuel compositions including TPE.
  • Develop designs and production methods for vibropac fuel elements and FAs.
  • Develop methodical and analytical support for fuel reprocessing and qualification.
  • Develop, test and operate equipment and pilot facilities for granulated fuel reprocessing and handling.
  • Develop and operate a computerized remote fabrication and monitoring line for MOX fuel elements and FAs.
  • Develop a transmutation process for minor actinides and long-lived fission radionuclides.
  • Develop a management process for the generated radioactive wastes.

Process

  • Ensure BOR-60 reactor loading with vibropac MOX fuel and blanket assemblies.
  • Establish production of vibropac MOX fuel for the BN-600 reactor hybrid core.
  • Convert and consolidate non-demanded nuclear materials.

Nuclear fuel cycle research trends

  • Carry out fundamental research in the physical chemistry and electrochemistry of actinides and fission products in non-aqueous media.
  • Develop non-aqueous methods to generate and reprocess various nuclear fuels.
  • Develop and justify separation and transmutation methods for actinides and long-lived fission products.
  • Develop non-aqueous methods to bring fuel from different research reactors back to the nuclear fuel cycle.
  • Develop non-aqueous methods to convert weapons-grade materials.
  • Develop non-aqueous methods to reprocess irradiated absorbing materials.
  • Investigate the methods of handling wastes from non-aqueous production.
  • Conduct a conceptual study of closed fuel cycle companies that use non-aqueous methods to produce and reprocess fuel from reactors operated at fast and thermal neutrons.
  • Develop fabrication technologies for mixed nitride uranium-plutonium fuel and involve minor actinides into the fuel process.