A New back-end cycle strategy for enhancing separation, transmutation and utilization of materials (Adv.-ORIENT cycle)

Ozawa, Masaki; Suzuki, Tatsuya*; Koyama, Shinichi  ; Akatsuka, Hiroshi*; Mimura, Hitoshi*; Fujii, Yasuhiko*

For the minimization of the ecological burden originated in nuclear fuel recycling, a new R&D strategy was filed as "Adv.-ORIENT cycle". In the context, mutual precise separation of -elements, such as minor actinide (MA)/lanthanides (Lns) and Am/Cm, are highly essential for enhancing the MA (Am) burning. The separation and utilization of rare metal fission products (RMFPs; Ru, Tc, etc) are a new direction in the partitioning and transmutation field. Separation of exothermic nuclides, Sr, Cs as well as MA, will significantly help to improve the repository tasks. A key separation media are ion exchange chromatography (IXC) by tertiary pyridine resin and a catalytic electrolytic extraction (CEE) by Pd. On challenging the isotope separation of LLFP, theoretical and laboratory studies were begun for Cs, Sn in the first priority.