Reprocessing method, nuclear fuel PUREX

The Purex process will continue to be the main method for the reprocessing of nuclear reactor fuels. The inherent flexibility of this process allows for modifications needed to accomodate a large range of fuel compositions and product specifications. Among the several plutonium partitioning methods developed, those avoiding the introduction of extraneous metal ions... 

The simplified PUREX method, in which purification processes for Pu and U are eliminated, could be considered. Centralized reprocessing is assumed. The spent nuclear fuel (SNF) will be reprocessed and only HLW will be discarded minor actinides (MAs) could be recycled, if MA recovery and MA fuel fabrication processes are established. 

The main methods used for reprocessing of SNF flowsheet were reviewed in a 120 pages report by the Nuclear Energy Agency (NEA 2012). The three main processes are the so-called hydrometallurgy processes (PUREX and UREX), pyromet-allurgy processes and its variations, and the fluoride volatility process (quite like the method used at the uranium conversion facilities discussed in Chapter 1). The report reviewed in detail several of these processes that are deployed in different facilities for various types of spent fuel (NEA 2012). In this section, we shall try to briefly present an overview of the main points and the analytical aspects. 

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