A survey of recent developments in the field of plutonium disposal by the application of advanced nuclear systems, both critical and subcritical. Current national R&D plans are summarized. The actinide-fuelled critical reactors are associated with control problems, since they tend to have a small delayed neutron fraction coupled with a small Doppler effect and a positive void coefficient. Current thinking is turning to accelerator-driven subcritical systems for the transmutation of actinides.
The book's conclusion is that the various systems proposed are technically feasible, even though not yet technically mature. The book presents a unique summary and evaluation of all relevant possibilities for burning surplus plutonium, presented by experts from a variety of different disciplines and interests, including the defence establishment. The obvious issue - the non-proliferation of nuclear weapons - is vital, but the matter represents a complex technological challenge that also requires an assessment in economic terms.

Autorentext
Carl E. Walter is a Managing Director of JP Morgan and Chief Operating Officer of its China businesses. Prior to joining JP Morgan in 2001, Mr. Walter was a Managing Director and member of the Management Committee of China International Capital Corporation. He was Chief Representative in Beijing for Credit Suisse First Boston from 1993-8. During his decade in China, Mr. Walter has participated in a number of pathbreaking international and domestic share listings and debt issues for Chinese companies, banks and the Ministry of Finance. He holds a PhD from Stanford University and a graduate certificate from Beijing University.

Inhalt

1. Introduction to the workshop.- 2. View on the problem of the Plutonium utilization in Russia.- 3. Safety aspects of advanced nuclear systems consuming Plutonium.- 4. Problems of excess Plutonium utilization in nuclear reactors.- 5. Recent neutron physics investigations on the incineration of Plutonium and other Transurania elements.- 6. The benefits of an advanced fast reactor fuel cycle for Plutonium management.- 7. Experience of SSC RF RINR on usage of Uranium-Plutonium oxide fuel in nuclear reactors.- 8. Energy source for the human demand.- 9. Plutonium-based nuclear power and nonproliferation.- 10. The cost of weapons Plutonium disposition through MOX utilisation in existing commercial LWRs.- 11. A realistic Plutonium elimination scheme with fast energy amplifiers and Thorium-Plutonium fuel.- 12. Weapons grade Plutonium destruction in the gas turbine modular helium reactor (GT-MHR).- 13. Accelerator driven systems - some safety and fuel cycle considerations.- 14. Advanced CANDU Systems for Plutonium destruction.- 15. Advanced systems for Plutonium utilization.- 16. Burning of weapon-grade Plutonium in WER and HTGR reactors.- 17. Utilization of excess Plutonium in molten salt reactors.- 18. Accelerator-driven systems - a new perspective on Fission Energy.- 19. On solving the fissionable Materials non-proliferation problem in the closed Uranium-Thorium cycle.- 20. Destruction of Plutonium and other nuclear waste materials using the accelerator-driven transmutation of waste concept.- 21. Environmental & safety problems in Plutonium utilization & power generation.- 22. Accelerator-driven transmutation system with liquid Lead cooling-Basic conditions, layout goals and results.- 23. Plutonium problem and one of the solution techniques.- 24. The utilitarian approach tothe disposition of Plutonium.- 25. Neutron spectrum concerning ex-weapon plutonium degradation and Plutonium utilization in the future.- 26. Problems of radiochemical reprocessing, related to Plutonium utilization.- 27. French Law on waste management research - General view on the partitioning program and current state of partitioning studies.- 28. Self-regulating processes in nuclear reactor.- SUMMARIES of the PAPERS PRESENTED at the WORKSHOP.- WORKSHOP SUMMARY and EVALUATION.