Protected plutonium production by transmutation of minor actinides for peace and sustainable prosperity; Irradiation tests of Np and Np-U samples in experimental fast reactor JOYO (JAEA) and advanced thermal reactor ATR (INL)

Koyama, Shinichi  ; Osaka, Masahiko  ; Ito, Masahiko*; Sagara, Hiroshi*; Saito, Masaki*

A project of Protected Plutonium Production was proposed by Tokyo-Tech as a part of non-proliferation research for Pu utilization to nuclear reactor. In order to validate this concept, two irradiation tests were performed. Experimental determination of Pu isotopes in Np samples irradiated in the experimental fast reactor JOYO was done to evaluate Pu production from Np under the fast neutron spectra. On the other hand, 2%, 5% and 10% Np containing U samples were also irradiated in Advanced Thermal Reactor of INL to evaluate the Pu production under thermal neutron region. The verified Np transmutation data can be used to design an Np-U mixed oxide fuel pellet for next phase Np-U fuel performance evaluations.