Molten Salt Chemistry and Pyroprocessing

The R&D activities in this area are focused on development of commercially viable pyrochemical flowsheets and technologies for recycle of oxide fuel from existing reactors as well as metallic and other fuel forms from advanced reactors. Particular emphasis is given bridging gaps in the baseline flowsheets for oxide and metal fuels as well as developing innovative approaches and cross-cutting solutions for pyrochemical separations that provide potential for step changes in economics, throughput, and non-proliferation management.

Areas of Activity

• Pyroprocess Technology Development
  • Development of a simplified U/TRU co-deposition cathode with decreased rare earth contamination
  • Characterization and control of insoluble particulates in molten salt electrochemical process cells
• Pyroprocess Options for Advanced Fuels
  • Development of dry head-end conversion and separations processing of next-generation reactor fuels to facilitate pyrochemical recycle of these fuels

Conceptual Layout of Pyroprocess Cell for Recycle of Used Oxide LWR fuel.