Reprocessed uranium

Abstract: We assess the economics of reprocessing versus direct disposal of spent fuel. The uranium price at which reprocessing spent fuel from light water reactors (LWRs) and recycling the resulting plutonium and uranium in LWRs would become economic is estimated for a range of reprocessing prices and other fuel cycle costs. The contribution of both fuel cycle options to the cost of electricity is also estimated. A similar analysis is performed to compare fast neutron reactors (FRs) with LWRs. We review available information about various fuel cycle costs, as well as the quantities of uranium likely to be recoverable at a range of future prices. We conclude that the once-through LWR fuel cycle is likely to remain significantly cheaper than recycling in either LWRs or FRs for at least the next 50 yr, even with substantial growth in nuclear power.

Abstract: The PUREX process for separating uranium and plutonium from irradiated nuclear fuels has been extensively studied and successfully operated industrially over the preceding five plus decades. It is anticipated that PUREX will play an important role in upcoming and advanced future nuclear fuel cycles. The first objective of this chapter is to provide the background information required to status the present state of the art as currently practiced at the industrial scale. The second objective is to examine the modifications ready, or nearly so, for implementation into the next generation of PUREX reprocessing facilities, thereby further expanding the utility and operation of the process for use in nuclear fuel cycles of the future.

Abstract: Twenty-five male subjects who worked with plutonium during World War II under extraordinarily crude working conditions have been followed medically for a period of 27 years. Within the past year, 21 of these men have been examined at the Los Alamos Scientific Laboratory, and 3 more will be studied in 1973. In addition to physical examinations and laboratory studies (complete blood count, blood chemistry profile, and urinalysis), roentgenograms were taken of the chest, pelvis, knee, and teeth. The chromosomes of lymphocytes cultured from the peripheral blood and cells exfoliated from the pulmonary tract were also studied. Urine specimens assayed for plutonium gave a calculated current body burden (excluding the lungs) ranging from 0.005 to 0.42 [LCi, and low-energy radiation emitted by internally deposited transuranic elements in the chest disclosed lung burdens probably of less than approximately 0.01 [LCi. To date, none of the medical findings in the group can be attributed definitely to internally deposited plutonium. The bronchial cells of several of the subjects showed moderate to marked metaplastic change, but the significance of these changes is not clear. Diseases and physical changes characteristic of a male population entering its sixth decade were observed. Because of the small body burdens on the order of the maximum permissible level in these men 80 heavily exposed to plutonium compounds, we conclude that the body has protective mechanisms which are effective in discriminating against these materials following some types of occupational exposures. This is presumably explained by the insolubility of many of its compounds. Plutonium is more toxic than radium if deposited in certain body tissues, especialIy bone; however, from the practical point of view, plutonium seems to be less hazardous to handle. Abstract of Los Alamos Scientific Laboratory Informal Report, LA-5148-MS entitled "A Twenty-Seven Year Study of Selected Los Alamos Plutonium Workers" by L. H. HEMPELMANN, C. R. RICHMOND, and G. L. VOETZ.of Los Alamos Scientific Laboratory Informal Report, LA-5148-MS entitled "A Twenty-Seven Year Study of Selected Los Alamos Plutonium Workers" by L. H. HEMPELMANN, C. R. RICHMOND, and G. L. VOETZ.