WorksheetsNuclear Lifecycle 9
Total questions: 10
Worksheet time: 6mins
What are the benefits of reprocessing?
To prevent exhaustion of U
To reduce radiotoxicity of waste
To reduce quantity of waste
To produce extra energy from transuranics
Which is the only commercially used reprocessing method currently?
PUREX
TALSPEAK
TRUEX
DIAMEX
Why has the USA developed the UREX process instead of using PUREX?
It is cheaper
Pu is not isolated so less risk of proliferation
It does not use as much strong acid
It gives better separation
Stage 2 reprocessing involves separating the minor actinides and lanthanides from stage 1 raffinate. Which of the following are stage 2 processes?
NPEX
TALSPEAK
TRUEX
DIAMEX
Stage 3 reprocessing involves separating minor actinides and lanthanides from each other. Which of the following are stage 3 processes?
TALSPEAK
SANEX
COEX
TRUEX
Why do lanthanides (Ln) and minor actinides (MA) need to be separated from each other?
Ln are neutron poisons so prevent transmutation of MA
Ln react with MA
Ln have extremely long half lives
MA are neutron poisons so prevent transmutation of Ln
Which separation method aims to carry out all 3 stages in one process?
LUCA
GANEX
TRPO
NPEX
How is the success of solvent extraction reprocessing measured?
Separation Factor
Distribution Ratio
Weight % of target element
Dose Rate
What are the main disadvantages of reprocessing by solvent extraction?
The use of P reagents - difficult to dispose of
High acid concentrations
Poor separation of elements
Organic phases can't be reused
What is the main alternative to reprocessing by solvent extraction?
Pyroprocessing
Electroprocessing
Magnetoprocessing
Hydroprocessing
