Optimization of spent nuclear fuel reprocessing for reducing radioactive waste

Abstract

When selecting processes for modernizing existing or newly created radiochemical plants, technologists and developers face many challenges, including issues of economic efficiency. Mathematical simulation represents the best way to optimize process solutions using various criteria. As a tool for solving such problems, we propose to use the VIZART software package implementing the end-to-end optimization calculation of closed nuclear fuel cycle processes, including the optimal ratio for radioactive waste of different activity levels. Using this module, we have analyzed the main components of costs for post-reactor handling of spent nuclear fuel. The minimum cost of handling high-level radioactive waste was calculated for several scenarios of a closed nuclear fuel cycle. The conducted comparative analysis of radioactive waste conditioning technologies considered various types of spent nuclear fuel reprocessing in the modules of pilot demonstration and industrial energy complexes.