Russian scientists study new methods to enrich regenerated uranium

Today, there are a whole host of projects for the completion of a thermal neutron reactor, which requires the closure of the fuel cycle with the reuse of fission materials obtained from nuclear fuel. use. However, according to experts, all options for enriching uranium have their own disadvantages.

The problem is that in the process of enriching enriched uranium under repeated recycling conditions, in addition to the ordinary waste of poor uranium, there is also a part of the mixture of regenerated uranium not involved in the enrichment process. , or even-man-made uranium isotope mixtures that treat them are very difficult for uranium enrichment plants.

'After conducting computer modeling based on the programs developed at NRNU MEPhI to calculate and optimize the series of centrifuges. We have proposed a new variation based on the use of a three-storey enrichment scheme, 'said Associate Professor Andrei Smirnov of NRNU MEPhI.

Research scientist at uranium enrichment factory.(Photo: RIA).

The presence of 232˒236U artificial isotopes and 234U's increased content in the isotope composition of regenerated uranium, as the scientists point out, significantly complicate the secondary enrichment process. At the same time, repeated recycling significantly increases the content of harmful isotopes.

'Our project allows to receive products that meet the restrictions on all even uranium isotopes, even when their content is high in the original mixture. Moreover, in a fixed mode, our diagram does not produce waste, except that poor uranium is a natural and inevitable byproduct, '' said Andrei Smirnov.

According to the scientists, the application of this scheme is to ensure a minimum of abnormal waste during regeneration of enriched uranium. Currently, the scientists continue to improve the properties of the method through additional variants, aiming to reduce the capacity used for enrichment and reduce the loss of isotopes of 235U value.