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New Study on Reprocessing and Proliferation

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by Leonor Tomero [contact information]

June 4, 2008

These two documents relate to a study requested by the Department of Energy on the proliferation resistance of materials in advanced nuclear fuel cycles

AN ASSESSMENT OF THE PROLIFERATION RESISTANCE OF MATERIALS IN ADVANCED NUCLEAR FUEL CYCLES

ABSTRACT

This paper summarizes a study, performed at the request of the United States Department of Energy (DOE), of materials mixtures containing special nuclear materials (SNM) produced in a number of advanced nuclear fuel cycles (NFCs). The primary focus of this study was the SNM-containing final product or mixtures produced during intermediate steps of reprocessing. The list of reprocessing schemes considered in the present study includes: PUREX, UREX+, and COEX.

For the SNM in these schemes, we have calculated “attractiveness levels,” couched in terms chosen for consistency with those normally used for nuclear materials in DOE nuclear facilities. Key findings include co-extracting Np with Pu does not alter the Attractiveness Level of the recycled material; transuranics become more attractive with age; dilution of SNM with spent or depleted uranium can lower the Attractiveness Level of SNM by a full letter grade; and dilution of Pu with significant quantities of 238Pu can also lower the Attractiveness Level of Pu by a full letter grade.

TO ACCESS THE ENTIRE PAPER, CLICK HERE.

TO VIEW THE CORRESPONDING SLIDES, CLICK HERE.

Leonor Tomero 202-546-0795 ext. 2104 ltomero@armscontrolcenter.org

Leonor Tomero is the Director for Nuclear Non-Proliferation at the Center for Arms Control and Non-Proliferation where her work focuses on nonproliferation, nuclear weapons, nuclear reprocessing, North Korea, and nuclear terrorism. Tomero is also a Senior Fellow at the Institute of International Law and Politics at Georgetown University. She has published letters and articles in the Washington Post, Foreign Policy, TomPaine.com, and Hartford Courant and is frequently quoted in national print, TV, and radio media.