CHEM02200704003 Nilamadhab Pandhy - Homi Bhabha National ...

Chapter 1
1.3 Challenges in spent nuclear fuel reprocessing
Fig. 1.1: Schematic of a typical PUREX process [28]
Nuclear fuel reprocessing plant faces the same problems as associated with any other
process industry. Moreover, the problems encountered in fuel reprocessing plant are more
stringent due to radiological impacts such as presence of radioactivity, build-up of heavy isotopes,
and contaminated equipments. The major problems associated with reprocessing are safety
concerns, problems in selection of materials of construction, cost of fuel reprocessing, and
radioactive disposal. Out of several critical issues, material challenges [1] are of utmost important
for safe operation of fuel reprocessing plant as well as determining the overall plant life. The
selection criteria of materials of construction for nuclear fuel reprocessing plant is a complicated
procedure involving various parameters such as their availability, cost, mechanical properties and