FaCT Phase-I evaluation on the advanced aqueous reprocessing process, 3; Highly effective dissolution technology for FBR MOX fuels

Ikeuchi, Hirotomo  ; Katsurai, Kiyomichi*; Sano, Yuichi   ; Washiya, Tadahiro 

Japan Atomic Energy Agency (JAEA) has been developing an efficient dissolution technology for irradiated MOX fuel in the framework of Fast Reactor Cycle Technology Development (FaCT) Project. In the fuel dissolution process for advanced aqueous reprocessing system named NEXT (New Extraction System for TRU Recovery), highly concentrated dissolution is required to adapt to the crystallization process. Optimum dissolution condition including short stroke shearing or pulverization of the irradiated fuel has been discussed, being based on the calculation results of continuous dissolver simulation code which reflects the results of dissolution tests using irradiated MOX fuel. We have been also developing rotary drum type continuous dissolver to adapt to the dissolution process for high heavy metal (U and Pu) concentration. This paper describes the summary and evaluation of R&D results on highly effective dissolution technology in the framework of FaCT Phase-I from 2006 to 2010.