Advanced methods for laser dismantling of spent fuel assemblies and fuel rods in the primary operations of the robotic production in a closed nuclear fuel cycle

Abstract

The article describes the basic technical solutions and the composition of units for laser dismantling of spent fuel assemblies and cutting of fuel rods for reactors with a liquid-metal coolant during the processing of spent nuclear fuel. The use of lasers as part of robotic and automated complexes for fuel assembly dismantling and fuel rod fragmentation will reduce the loss of valuable fuel materials, prevent their entrainment, reduce the cost of processing, minimize the contamination of solid radioactive waste with fission products, and optimize primary operations in general.