Introduction to a new fuel manufacturing process utilizing microwave heating for the next generation nuclear reactor; Renewal of test equipment in plutonium conversion development facility

Kato, Yoshiyuki ; Mukai, Yasunobu ; Kurita, Tsutomu ; Yoshimoto, Katsunobu

Nuclear energy is indispensable to secure long-term energy supply and to prevent global warning by taking advantage of very small CO discharge. Current power reactor will be replaced by next generation Fast Breeder Reactor (FBR) and its fuel cycle step by step because FBR can utilize limited uranium resource to the utmost and minimize high level radioactive wastes. To achieve the target, Fast Reactor Cycle Technology Development (FaCT) project is being promoted in Japan and a simplified MOX fuel fabrication technology where microwave heating denitration is the core of manufacturing is adopted. Adjustment of plutonium/uranium mixed ratio is done just before denitration and treatment to improve powder fluidity is done continuously after the denitration, thus fuel fabrication process becomes short and economical efficiently. Current research has been examined using test equipment of a beaker scale, and it will be replaced to test equipment with capacity of 1 kgMOX/batch where practicability of the technology will be confirmed. The outline of design and schedule of the technology is introduced.