Patent ID: 8090072
Filing Date: 2012-01-03
Classification: G21G

Abstract:
1. A method of transmuting at least one long-lived isotope of fission fragment radioactive waste, the method comprising the steps of: providing an inner buffer region around a neutron source for providing a first reduction in neutron energy by inelastic scattering; providing an activation region around said inner buffer region, the activation region being made of heavy elements of at least one of lead and/or bismuth; distributing a material containing said long-lived isotope of fission fragment radioactive waste throughout the whole volume of the activation region the inner buffer region and the neutron source being devoid of radioactive waste; and activating the neutron source to emit a neutron flux, wherein multiple elastic collisions between the neutrons in the neutron flux and the heavy elements in the activation region result in an enhanced neutron flux in the activation region, and rate of progressive decrease in neutron energy such that increased neutron capture in the resonance spectrum of said material is exploited to enhance neutron capture in said material.