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Laser-heating and Radiance Spectrometry for the Study of Nuclear Materials in Conditions Simulating a Nuclear Power Plant Accident
Published on: December 14, 2017
Advanced reactors and associated fuel cycle facilities: safety and environmental impacts.
R N Hill1, W M Nutt, J J Laidler
1Argonne National Laboratory, 700 S. Cass Ave, Argonne, IL 60439, USA. bobhill@anl.gov
Health Physics
|March 15, 2011
Summary
Advanced nuclear reactors like the sodium-cooled fast reactor (SFR) and very high-temperature gas-cooled reactor (VHTR) offer enhanced safety and environmental benefits. Their advanced fuel cycles present significant waste management advantages through improved recycling and new waste forms.
Area of Science:
- Nuclear Engineering
- Environmental Science
- Materials Science
Background:
- Current U.S. nuclear research explores advanced reactor technologies and fuel cycles.
- Conventional nuclear technologies have established safety and environmental profiles.
- Advanced reactors aim to improve safety and sustainability in nuclear energy.
Purpose of the Study:
- To contrast the safety and environmental impacts of advanced nuclear technologies with conventional options.
- To review existing fuel cycle facilities and regulatory limits.
- To identify technologies for improving recycle efficiency, emissions control, and safety.
Main Methods:
- Comparative analysis of advanced reactor concepts (SFR, VHTR) and conventional technologies.
- Review of current fuel cycle facility performance and regulatory standards.
- Identification and description of waste management technology alternatives.
Main Results:
- Advanced reactor technologies, including SFR and VHTR, generally exhibit inherent safety features.
- Advanced fuel cycles involve new spent fuel recycle facilities and waste forms.
- Potential benefits for waste management are significant with closed fuel cycles.
Conclusions:
- Advanced nuclear fuel cycles offer substantial improvements in waste management.
- New waste form technologies are crucial for realizing the benefits of closed fuel cycles.
- The development of advanced reactors and fuel cycles is key to enhancing nuclear energy's safety and environmental performance.
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