Title: Multi-component self-consistent nuclear energy system: protected plutonium production (P³)

Authors: Masaki Saito

Addresses: Research Laboratory for Nuclear Reactors, N1-7, 2-12-1, O-okyayama, Meguro, Tokyo 152 8550, Japan

Abstract: The research activity on Protected Plutonium Production (P³) has been performed in the framework of MC-SCNES that simultaneously achieves four requirements – energy production, fuel production, burning of radioactive wastes and safety by the combination of fission, spallation and fusion neutron sources. The increase of a fraction of 238Pu provides an essential protective measure to plutonium against the proliferation due to its high decay heat and spontaneous fission neutrons. It is discussed that 238Pu production by the transmutation of MA in both critical and sub-critical operation modes. The demonstration of P³ mechanisms in the reactor will provide a big possibility of new reactor markets in the world.

Keywords: self-consistent nuclear energy system; SCNES; nuclear power; transmutation; radioactive waste; zero release; protected plutonium production; minor actinide; non-proliferation; long-life core; nuclear reactors; nuclear safety; nuclear fuel cycle; spent fuel; waste management.

DOI: 10.1504/IJNEST.2005.007130

International Journal of Nuclear Energy Science and Technology, 2005 Vol.1 No.2/3, pp.127 - 138

Published online: 29 May 2005 *

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