Status of Pyro-process Fuel Cycle Technology Development at Criepi

Recent results of CRIEPI’s pyro-process fuel cycle technology developments are reported. On the actinides deposition into liquid cadmium cathode, a series of experiments are conducted using a small scale electro-refiner of about a hundred grams actinides inventory. The suitable condition for codeposition of U and TRUs is investigated, by varying Pu/U ratio in the salt from ∞ to 1.7. The design considerations to realise better yields in injection casting are clarified by conducting 20 kg/batch scale tests using U-Zr. Some studies on the oxide dross formation due to the reaction between the molten fuel and crucible coating or casting mold are also conducted. Actinides should be recovered from the dross to achieve a very high recovery ratio. It is shown that ZnCl4 is capable of chlorinating these actinides oxide. The obtained actinides chloride can be recycled into the electro-refining process.