Discussion on optimization of microwave heating for MOX fuel production

Kato, Yoshiyuki ; Kurita, Tsutomu ; Matsumoto, Masaki; Suzuki, Masahiro ; Ishii, Katsunori ; Yamamoto, Takuma; Kihara, Yoshiyuki; Yoshimoto, Katsunobu; Fujii, Kanichi

An earlier accomplishment of FBR(fast breeder reactor) fuel cycle is the supreme subject from the point of view on the protection of environment by suppressing the green house effect as well as saving the oil. Microwave heating (MH) is employed as the MOX (mixed oxides U-Pu) production process in the main stream of FBR cycle. Thus, we are the optimization of MH method. We will describe the practical work of MOX fuel production which recycles the consumed nuclear fuel containing both U and Pu. The MH is employed to solidify the mixed solution by evaporating nitric acid and water. We call this processing de-nitration. The physical, mechanical, and chemical characteristics of the products are analyzed, being thereby discussed the contribution of the MH technology to the MOX fuel production. And, optimization of MH is discussed from the view point of design of MH oven, regulation of MH power, and combination with several auxiliary heating sources.