Transuranic burners

The actinide consumption rate for the burner core is 3.3% of the inventory per year. Calculations showed that the small burner destroyed approximately 315 kg of minor actinides (MA) and 2400 kg of transuranics (TRU) per core over 60 years. 

The MSR (see Fig. 2.7) embodies the very special feature of a liquid fuel. MSR concepts, which may be used as efficient burners of transuranic elements from spent LWR fuel, also have a breeding capability in any kind of neutron spectmm ranging from thermal (with a thorium fuel cycle) to fast (with a uranium—plutonium fuel cycle). Whether configured for burning or breeding, MSRs have considerable promise for the minimization of radiotoxic nuclear waste. 

MSR developments in Russia on the Molten Salt Actinide Recycler and Transmuter aim to be used as efficient burners of transuranic waste from spent UOX and MOX LWR fuel without any uranium and thorium support and also with it. Other advanced reactor concepts are being studied, which use the liquid salt technology as a primary coolant for fluoride salt-cooled high-temperature reactors, and coated particle fuels similar to high-temperature gas-cooled reactors. 

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