Perspectives on application and flexibility of LWR vitrification technology for high level waste generated from future fuel cycle system

Shiotsuki, Masao; Aoshima, Atsushi ; Nomura, Shigeo

Achievement of reliable technologies on solidification and disposal of the HLW from future fuel cycle systems such for high burnup LWR, Pu-thermal (MOX), fast breeder reactor (FBR) and their transient stages is one of the most important issues to establish such advanced fuel cycle systems. In this paper, applicability and flexibility of the current vitrification technology for LWR fuel cycle to HLW from the future fuel cycle systems were reviewed by examining characteristics of the HLWs. The current developed vitrification technology is expected to have an advantage for applying to the solidification process of the HLW generated from future fuel cycle systems with some modification/optimization of the melting condition, etc. Moreover, it is thought that the advance aqueous reprocessing system developed for future FBR cycle has the potential which can contribute to the further reducing the number/volume of the HLW. It is also confirmed that development efforts on countermeasure for accumulation of noble metals, which JAEA has been carrying out aiming to accomplishing more stable and reliable operation of the vitrification process and extending the melter's life, will be able to contribute in the future fuel cycle system furthermore.