Conceptual design of engineering-scale plant applied the simplified MA-bearing fuel fabrication process

Yamada, Yoshikazu ; Segawa, Tomoomi ; Kato, Masato   

Japan Atomic Energy Agency (JAEA) have proposed the transmutation of minor actinides by fast reactors as a way to contribute significantly to the reduction of the volume and the potential radiotoxicity of radioactive wastes. In order to achieve this goal, it is important to introduce a fully automated and remote operation fuel fabrication plant with shielded hot cells and manipulators. JAEA's facilities including Plutonium Fuel Production Facility (PFPF) have fabricated MOX fuel. On the basis of the operational and technical experience obtained in above facilities, the conceptual design of engineering-scale plant applied the simplified MA-bearing fuel fabrication process with shielded hot cells and manipulator was done. It will be able to fabricate high MA-bearing fuel and to perform the maintenance and repairing of each equipment with manipulators. This plant will be constructed based on this concept and development plan.