Advanced Nuclear Systems Consuming Excess Plutonium: Proceedings of the NATO Advanced Research Workshop on Advanced Nuclear Systems Consuming Excess Plutonium Moscow, Russia 13-16 October 1996

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. Front Matter....Pages i-xiii Introduction to NATO Advanced Research Workshop “Advanced Nuclear Systems Consuming Excess Plutonium”....Pages 1-3 View on The Problem of the Plutonium Utilization in Russia....Pages 5-10 Safety Aspects of Advanced Nuclear Systems Consuming Plutonium....Pages 11-19 Problems of Excess Plutonium Utilization In Nuclear Reactors....Pages 21-26 Recent Neutron Physics Investigations on The Incineration of Plutonium and Other Transurania Elements....Pages 27-42 The Benefits of an Advanced Fast Reactor Fuel Cycle For Plutonium Management....Pages 43-63 Experience Of SSC RF RINR On Usage Of Uranium-Plutonium Oxide Fuel In Nuclear Reactors....Pages 65-67 Energy Source for the Human Demand....Pages 69-77 Plutonium-Based Nuclear Power and Nonproliferation....Pages 79-80 The Cost of Weapons Plutonium Disposition Through MOX Utilisation in Existing Commercial LWRs....Pages 81-87 A Realistic Plutonium Elimination Scheme With Fast Energy Amplifiers and Thorium-Plutonium Fuel....Pages 89-134 Weapons Grade Plutonium Destruction In The Gas Turbine Modular Helium Reactor (GT-MHR)....Pages 135-146 Accelerator Driven Systems — Some Safety and Fuel Cycle Considerations....Pages 147-161 Advanced Candu Systems For Plutonium Destruction....Pages 163-179 Advanced Systems for Pu Utilization....Pages 181-202 Burning of Weapon-Grade Plutonium In VVer and Htgr Reactors....Pages 203-217 Utilization Of Excess Pu In Molten Salt Reactors....Pages 219-224 Accelerator-Driven Systems - A New Perspective On Fission Energy....Pages 225-235 On Solving the Fissionable Materials Non-Proliferation Problem in the Closed Uranium-Thorium Cycle....Pages 237-257 Destruction of Plutonium and Other Nuclear Waste Materials Using the Accelerator-Driven Transmutation of Waste Concept....Pages 259-263 Environmental & Safety Problems In Pu Utilization & Power Generation....Pages 265-273 Accelerator-Driven Transmutation System with Liquid Lead Cooling — Basic Conditions, Layout Goals and Results —....Pages 275-282 Plutonium Problem and One Of The Solution Techniques....Pages 283-285 The Utilitarian Approach To The Disposition Of Plutonium....Pages 287-296 Neutron Spectrum Concerning Ex-Weapon Plutonium Degradation and Plutonium Utilization In The Future....Pages 297-306 Problems Of Radiochemical Reprocessing, Related To Plutonium Utilization....Pages 307-311 French Law on Waste Management Research-General View on Partitioning Program and Current State of Partitioning Studies....Pages 313-329 Self - Regulating Processes in Nuclear Reactor....Pages 331-333 Back Matter....Pages 335-362 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 Proceedings of the NATO Advanced Research Workshop, Moscow, Russia, 13-16 October 1996