EQUILIBRIUM CYCLE CALCULATIONS FOR TRANSURANICS RECYCLING IN PRESSURIZED-WATER REACTORS

Assembly-level collision probability calculations are performed with t he CASMO code to study the feasibility and efficiency of recycling tra nsuranics (TR Us) in pressurized water reactors (PWRs). A zero-dimensi onal equilibrium cycle approach is combined with an extrapolation algo rithm to estimate equilibrium cycle configurations in a three-zone PWR core. A whole-core implementation of mixed-oxide assemblies containin g TR Us may require an unusually large loading of TR Us, but a (2 x 2) colorset arrangement of TRU and uranium assemblies, with a sufficient U-235 enrichment, may yield a reasonable PWR configuration. Colorset arrangements will not result in net depletion of TR Us but will slow d own the accumulation of TR Us in a continuing PWR economy.