A method for purifying reprocessed uranium from even isotopes under conditions of multiple recycle

Abstract

We proposed a modification of a double cascade scheme to enrich reprocessed uranium. Such a cascade scheme represents a combination of one cascade with “broadening” of the flow and an ordinary three-flow cascade. A calculation and optimization method has been developed for the proposed scheme according to various efficiency criteria. It is shown that the proposed scheme makes it possible to obtain low-enriched uranium of commercial quality using reprocessed uranium of different initial compositions. For example, the enrichment of reprocessed uranium, which had gone through five consequent recycles, was considered. The proposed scheme allowed to enrich it with simultaneous fulfillment of restrictions on isotopes 232U, 234U, and 236U. Such results indicate the scheme's applicability under conditions of multiple recycling of uranium in reactor fuel. Computational experiments have shown that in the proposed modification, a noticeable saving of natural uranium in the cycle (∼18%) can be achieved, provided that the additional consumption of separative work does not exceed 10%, compared with the case of enrichment of natural uranium to obtain LEU of equivalent quality. © 2022 Korean Nuclear Society