Progress Report on
Nuclear Transmutation
Hiroyuki OIGAWA
Contents- Situation of P&T technology in Japan and the world- Outline of previous IAC- R&D activities in this year
- Perspectives toward the establishment ofTransmutation Experimental Facility (TEF)1

R&D of P&T Technology in Japan¾In Japan, Partitioning and Transmutation (P&T) is mainly studied at 3 institutes:¾ JAERI (Japan Atomic Energy Research Institute)¾ JNC(Japan Nuclear Cycle Development Institute)¾ CRIEPI (Central Research Institute of Electric Power Industry)¾JAERI is studying P&T technology using Accelerator Driven Subcritical System(ADS) and dedicated transmutation fuel cycle.
¾JNC and CRIEPI are studying P&T technology using critical fast reactor cycle.
Their activities are now organized as the “Feasibility Studies on Commercialized
FR Cycle System”.

¾JAERI and JNC will be unified in 2005. Various synergy effects are expected for
R&D in P&T technology. High potential of JNC to build and operate large-scale
experimental facilities will be useful for JAERI to proceed to the next step fromlaboratory-scale study.
2

R&D of P&T Technology in the World¾Europe :- ADS is considered as powerful measures to manage long-lived radioactive
waste in many countries.
- Various projects are under way in those countries :MEGAPIE , n-TOF , MUSE , TRADE , MYRRHA, ….
¾USA :- Advanced Accelerator Application (AAA) Project was transformed to
Advanced Fuel Cycle Initiative (AFCI).
- This new program aims at the reduction of radioactive waste to be disposedin deep geological repository and is similar to Japanese strategy to make useof plutonium in power reactors.
- ADS is considered as a candidate of “Series Two” transmuter.
¾Asia :- Korea researches ADS for the transmutation of both plutonium and minor
actinide (MA).
- China is performing basic researches on ADS as an option in fuel circulationand energy generation.
3

International Symposium onAccelerator Driven Transmutation Systemand Asia ADS Network Initiative¾In Europe, collaboration among various countries and activities in the nuclear
physics field are significant.
¾On the other hand in Asia, Japan, Korea and China are performing the R&D
independently.

¾To review the current status of R&D and future plan in the world, and to initiate thecollaboration among Asian countries, we have planned an International
Symposium on “Accelerator Driven Transmutation System and Asia ADS Network
Initiative” on March 24-25, 2003, in Tokyo.

4International Symposium onAccelerator Driven Transmutation System and Asia ADS Network
ProgramMarch 24 (13:00 - 18:00)
1. Opening Remarks (10)
S. Saito (President, JAERI)
2. Activities in USA (40+10)
B. Richter (Former President, SLAC)
3. Activities in Europe -1 (40+10)
C. Rubbia (President, ENEA)
Coffee Break (20)
4. Activities in Europe -2 (40+10)
B. Frois (Ministry of Research)
5. Activities in Japan (30+10)
H. Oigawa (JAERI)
6. Activities in Korea (30+10)
H. S. Park (Vice President, KAERI)
7. Activities in China (30+10)
Z. Zhao (President, CIAE)

Welcome Party (JOSUI-KAIKAN)

18:00 - 20:00

March 25 (9:30 - 16:00)
8. High-Intensity Proton Accelerator Project: J-PARC (25+5)
S. Nagamiya (KEK／JAERI)
9. Experimental Program at Kyoto University (20+5)
S. Shiroya (Kyoto University)
10. Accelerator for ADS (35+10)
Y. Yamazaki (JAERI), Y. Mori (KEK)
Coffee Break (15)
11. ADS Design Study in Korea (15+5)
T. Y. Song (KAERI)
12. Contribution from Nuclear Physics in China (15+5)
H. Xia（CIAE）
13. Nuclear Data in Japan (15+5)
M. Igashira (Tokyo Institute of Technology)
Lunch (70)
12:20 - 13:30
14. Discussion : Future Plan and International Collaboration for
ADS (150)
14.1 Keynote Talk -1 : Nuclear Physics and Transmutation
Technology (15+15)
A. Mengoni (CERN)
14.2 Keynote Talk -2 : Technical Issues for ADS (15+15)
H. Oigawa (JAERI)
14.3 Keynote Talk -3 : Asia ADS Network Initiative (15+35)
Y. Nagai (Osaka University)
Coffee Break (20)
14.4 Free Discussion (20)5Outline of Previous IAC☆ We proposed “Transmutation Experimental Facility (TEF)”.
• TEF-P (Transmutation Physics Experimental Facility)– Critical Assembly based on FCA is proposed.
– High energy proton beam is available with convenient power
level and flexible pulse width.
• TEF-T (ADS Target Test Facility)– Material irradiation in flowing liquid metal is proposed.
– Wide range of parameter survey can be performed as dedicatedfacility.
– Experience of Pb-Bi target handling can be accumulated.

6

Transmutation Experimental Facilities
TEF-P:TEF-P:Transmutation
TransmutationPhysics
PhysicsExperimental
ExperimentalFacility
Facility
TEF-T:TEF-T:ADS
ADSTarget
TargetTest
TestFacility
Facility

10W
Critical
Assembly

200kW

Laser Charge Exchange

Shield

Pb-Bi Target

7

Items Pointed Out at Previous IAC¾To obtain the participation of foreign countries:-The symposium should be an opportunity to initiate the collaboration.
-JAERI-CEA collaboration agreement was renewed. (up to Sep. 2007).
Regarding ADS, 7 items are included:(1) Design study, (2) Scenario study, (3) Transmutation calculation ,(4) Reactor physics experiment, (5) Spallation target and material,(6) Proton accelerator, (7) Planning of a new experimental facility¾To promote an Initial design and safety analysis on TEF.
-Influenced by design change of the accelerator, the arrangement of TEF is investigated.
(an example is shown in the next slide.)-Main part of Safety Report for TEF-P was drafted. Its validity was reviewed by an
external committee.
・Description of principal device, equipment and sys tem.
・Strategy to guarantee safety .
・Evaluation of influences of transient and accident.
・Analysis for ”Beyond Design-Basis Accident” (co-operated by JNC).
8

Example of “Separated Arrangement”
TEF-P

10W beam line

TEF-T

Optional line of SC-LINAC

400→600MeV SC-LINAC

9

R&D Activities in this year
¾ 3-year program for development of ADS technology was approved.
¾FY2002-2004, Total 10M$
¾3 main areas:・Superconducting LINAC (cryomodule test)
・Pb-Bi technology (material, thermal-hydraulics, Po behavior)・Subcritical reactor (structural design and physics)¾Many institutes, universities and companies are involved.
・KEK, JNC, Hokkaido-U, Tohoku-U, Kyoto-U, Mitsubishi-HI, Mitsui-ES, ... (total13)¾R&D for TEF-P:¾Pulse Neuron Generator is now manufactured for FCA experiment.
¾Laser Charge Exchange Test Device was installed. The test will be carriedout next fiscal year.

¾R&D for TEF-T:¾Pb-Bi test loop finished second 3000-hour operation successfully.
¾PIE for SINQ sample was performed.
¾Target design was under way

10

3-year program for ADS (1)Superconducting LINAC
a. Manufacturing and test of cryomodule (JAERI,KEK,MHI)☆Demonstration of high performance for acceleration electric fieldand cooling）
b. System design of SC-LINAC （JAERI, KEK, MELCO）☆Optimization of whole accelerator system

To demonstrate feasibility of accelerator system which isapplicable to ADS , where high acceleration performance,high efficiency and low cost are required.

11

9-cell cryomodule

Vacuum vessel
Liquid He vessel

RF power coupler

Beam axis

Superconducting cavity(9-cell)123-year program for ADS (2)Pb-Bi Spallation Target / Core Coolant
a. Material corrosion and purity control （JAERI, MES, Tohoku-U）☆Establishment of corrosion database by changing oxygen
concentration, flow vel ocity, etc.
☆Development of purity control system and oxygen sensor
b. Thermal hydraulics （JAERI, MES, Hokkaido-U）☆Loop test of beam window cooled by Pb-Bi☆Development of ultrasonic velocity probe）
c. Behavior of radioactive material （JAERI, JNC, TIT,…）☆Evaporation test for irradiated Pb-Bi (especially for Po)☆Improvement of analytical prediction for SP amountTo accumulate database and experience for Pb-Bi as spallation
target and coolant13Pb-Bi test loop in MES
14

To Ventilation system
Mist Filter
HeaterPump

Beam duct
simulator

Current plate

HeaterFilter

Test v essel

Cooler

Gas supply

Dump tank
Drip tray
Flow meter
Level indicator
Thermometer
Pressure indicator
Pressure difference
Oxygen sensor
Temperature controller

Test loop for beam window cooling15

3-year program for ADS (3)Subcritical core）
a. Feasibility study from engineering aspects （JAERI, MHI）
☆Proposal of technologically realistic design for core structureb. Development of subcriticality monitoring method andevaluation of neutronics design accuracy（JAERI, Kyoto-U, Nagoya-U）☆Experimental study usi ng KUCA and FCA☆Sensitivity analysis on reactor physics parameters

To establish realistic concept of ADS and reliable design method

16

ADS building

Auxiliary heat removal system

Plant arrangement

Turbine building

Proton transport line

̲Building arrangement
̲Building specification
Beam introduction
Generator
TurbineSteam generator

・Beam specification
・Beam transport
・Beam stopper

Beam window and fuelexchange method
・Beam window, beamline device exchange
・MA fuel exchange
・In-core device (SG,pump, ) exchange
Movable support

MA fuelCore vesselCore structure

Beam window structure

・Structural strength
・In-core flow distribution・whole core arrangement

・Optimization of Beamwindow shape・Thermal-hydraulics andstructural design

Shielding・Above-core structure
・Sky shine
・Shielding for maintenanceCooling system
・Basic design of principalequipment
・Treatment SP and Po

Bending magnet

Rotating plug
Steam generator
Primary pumpTarget flow structure
・Flow path optimization
・Vibration, fatigue of duct
・Seismic designCore basic design
・Fuel performance
・Neutronics

Reactor vessel
Beam window
Core tankCore support

Feasibility study from engineering aspects for subcritical core17

R&D Activities for TEF-P (1)Manufacturing Pulse Neuron Generator for FCA experiment

Ion sourceTarget

z Specification• Reaction : D-T (14MeV)• Neutron source strength : 1×108n/s• Pulse width : < 5μs• Repetition : 10 kHz – continuous• Diameter : < 5cmφ (to be inserted in FCA matrix structure)z Purpose• To verify reactor instrumentation for TEF-P• To develop subcriticality monitoring method18

R&D Activities for TEF-P (2)Installation of Laser Charge Exchange Test Device
Laser monitor
RFQ

Ion source
TMPTMP

Proton – Laser interaction unit
Proton monitor
Magnet
TMP

TMP

TMP

TMP

RFLaser controller
Nd:YAG laser oscillator

Amplifier and transport optics

19

R&D Activities for TEF-P (2)Installation of Laser Charge Exchange Test Device

MagnetBeam duct
Proton - Laserinteraction unit
Proton monitor
Exit of accelerator

20

R&D Activities for TEF-T (1)3000-hour test by Pb-Bi loop
Expansion tank

CoolerTest temperature : 450℃
(High temperaturepart)
Temperature gradient : 50 -100℃

Flowmeter

EMP power : 5 ℓ/min
Velocity at test section : 1m/sec
Flow meter : Electromagnetic typePb-Bi inventory : 0.018m3
EMP

Material of components andspecimen : type 316ss
Cover gas : 99.995% Ar
Testing time: 〜3000h•Specimen for 1st operation isunder investigation.
•2nd operation was successfullycompleted.

DamptankTest
sectionμm
100μμm100μPb-Bi

316SS(a)Before test

316SS(b)After 3000hr test

Fig. Result of Pb-Bi loop test for 316SS
21

R&D Activities for TEF-T (2)Conceptual Design of TEF-T Pb-Bi Target

Irradiation sample holder:
To install plate specimens

Beam window：

Annular channel :To flow Pb-Bi

To assist returned flow andreduce the thermal stress.

ProtonBeam

φ150

Perforated plate ：To improve heat removal
at beam window andcontrol a flow in sample
region.
22

R&D Scenario of ADS
power

Transmutation
TransmutationPlant
Plant
20MW-beam
20MW-beam , , 800MWth
800MWthTransmutes
MAfromTransmutes MA from10LWRs
10LWRsExperimental
ExperimentalADS
ADS
2MW-beam
2MW-beam , , 80MWth80MWth
Demonstrates
ADS
Demonstrates ADSperformance
performance

Transmutation
TransmutationExperimental
ExperimentalFacility
Facility
200kW-beam
200kW-beam , , Pb-Bi
Pb-BiTarget
TargetTechnology
TechnologyADS
Physics
Experiment
ADS Physics Experiment

Loop Experiment
2000
2010

year
2020

2030
23

Other R&D Activities for P&TPartitioning• 4 Group partitioning
process concept• Labo-scale test
• High performance
extract agent

Waste Disposal and Scenario Study• Design study for advanced
waste disposal using P&Ttechnology• Cost estimation• Safety analyses

Nitride Fuel
• MA fuel fabricationand irradiation• Basic properties
measurement• Pyrochemical
process research(Pu,Zr)N pellet
Irradiated (U,Pu)N fuel24

Long Term Program for P&T using ADS
Year2002

2005

2010

2020〜2030

Improvement of process

Partitioning

Fabrication test of MA nitride
Irradiation test in reactor

Pilot plant
Process test of MA nitride (Dry process)Processing

Process test ofirradiated fuelConstruction and operation of J-PARC accelerator

Accelerator
ADS technology

Target,Material

SC-LINAC development

Improvement of efficiency

Pb-Bi technology（material･thermal･Po）

Large-scale device test

Design of TEF-T
Design of TEF-P

Physics,
Control

Waste disp osal ・scenario study

Feasibility study onphysics and engineering

Transmutation
ExperimentalFacilityExperimental
ADS

Design of Experimental ADS

Accelerator-Driven Transmutation Technology

Fueltechnology

Fabrication,
Irradiation

Pilot plant
Engineering development

Evaluation of effectiveness of P&T, Design study for advanced waste disposal

25Perspectives toward the Establishment ofTransmutation Experimental Facility (TEF)
2002

2003

2004

2005

2006

2007

2008

2009

2010

Phase-1
Phase-2
Demonstration of laser
charge exchange

Pulsed D-T neutron experiment at FCA
External
committee

Preliminary
designInternal
review

Construction of TEF-P

Licensing

Development of Pb-Bi technology
Irradiation test of structural material in TIARA，SINQ （PSI)
Conceptual
designH14Preliminary
design

H15H16FinaldesignH17

Construction of TEF-T

H18

H19H20H21H2226

Summary¾To contribute to the HLW disposal in 2030-40s, early start is important.
¾We will be ready to start design for TEF in one year.
¾No major technological difficulty is found in the conceptual design of TEF.
¾One of difficulties is in the arrangement of the facilities, when we consider
the upgradeability of TEF to 600 MeV.
¾Proton beam higher than 400 MeV is essential to the experiment. Therecovery scenario of LINAC is serious concern for TEF.
¾Collaboration with Japanese institutes (JNC, universities, etc.) , Asiancountries (Korea, China, etc.) and other countries (Europe, USA, etc.) will
be pursued further. We would appreciate IAC member’s assistance.
27

Number of Neutrons per Proton28Neutron source strength (×1015 /0.33mA)

Neutron Source Distribution in Axial Direction

Distance from beam window (cm)29

Effectiveness (relative to fission source)

Neutron Source EffectivenessD-T source

Incident proton energy (MeV)30

Deposited power density

D-T source

31Conceptual Design of TEF-P
TEF-T

32

Proton Beam Introduction Mechanism

TEF-T

Pulse width : 1ns – 0.5ms

Pulse width : 0.5ms
Repetition : 25Hz
33

Conceptual View of Partial Simulation
with Pin-type MA-nitride Fuel34

R&D items using TEF-P
Purpose of R&D

R&D items

Measurement of power distribution in sub-critical system
Validation of data &Determination of keff and effective source strength
method to predict theneutronics in a fast
Evaluation of influence of high energy neutrons
subcritical system with Evaluation of influence of target, beam window and void in beam ducta spallation source
Simulation of Pb-Bi coolant
Feedback control of reactor power by beam intensity adjustment
Investigation of system behavior at beam trip and re-start
Performance test of a
hybrid system driven
by an accelerator

Evaluation of temperature effect of core and target
Investigation of instability of system caused by subcriticality andannular arrangement of core
Determination of energy gain factor
Measurement of cross section data by TOF techniqueTransmutation
performance of MAand LLFP

Measurement of MA transmutation rate
Measurement of MA and LLFP sample reactivity worth
Study of moderated region for LLFP transmutation
Simulation of MA-loaded nitride core35

Performance of Irradiation FieldProton beam :600MeV-200kW

Beam profile :φ 4cm - Flat top

Maximum neutron flux : 4 X 1014 n/cm2/s
Maximum annual DPA : 15 DPA/year
Irradiation Area over 10 DPA/y :3cm f X 15cmL
Coolant velocity :about 2m/s

Temperature range :350 ~ 450ºC
Annual DPA Dose of 316SS inPb-Bi Target (r : radius)36

R&D items using TEF-T
Purpose of R&DIrradiation damage ofbeam window andstructural material byprotons and neutrons

R&D items
Evaluation of soundness and lifetime of beam window
Duplicated irradiation damage by protons and neutrons
Establishment of material database for fast neutron irradiation
Irradiation effect under stressed condition

Liquid metal corrosion and liquid metal embrittlement
Compatibility of material under proton and neutron irradiations
with flowing liquid metal
Compatibility of material with liquid metal as a function ofunder strong irradiation
temperature, velocity and oxygen concentration of the liquidcondition
Affect of spallation products
Demonstration of performance of pump, flow meter, heatexchanger, oxygen controller under actual liquid metal
Operation and control of spallation target
liquid metal spallation
Transient behavior of system at beam trip and re-starttarget system
Containment of spallation products and polonium
Technical issues on system operation and maintenance37