Irradiation -storage cycle effect

Meanx hile, success in the development of the natural uranium fuelled CANDU concept had led to very low cost fuelling and effective utilization of uranium even without recovery through reprocessing. AECL therefore decided to set aside work on reprocessing and concentrate instead on the once-through fuel cycle with storage of the irradiated fuel. The evidence indicated that the zirconium clad UO fuel could be stored under water for many decades until a decision was needed regarding recycle or disposal. 

Figure 2. The effect of irradiation in a number of cycles, i.e. 1 hour irradiation + 22 hours storage in dark, on a peroxide-bleached groundwood.

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