World Nuclear Transport Industry
Spent Fuel Reprocessing
WNTIWNTI

Spent Fuel Reprocessing


The spent fuel is separated into un‐burnt uranium (96%), plutonium (1%) and waste (3%) products.The uranium and plutonium is recycled and sent to a conversion plant where they are blended into fresh fuel (mixed oxide fuel or MOX). Spent fuel sent for reprocessing is owned by the country from which it came and after it has been reprocessed, must be returned to the country of origin in some form. The MOX and waste is transported in specially designed transport containers, where the waste is stored for eventual disposal and the MOX to produce more energy in the nuclear reactor.

 

 

 

Spent Fuel Reprocessing
Intro text:
The spent fuel is separated into un‐burnt uranium (96%), plutonium (1%) and waste (3%) products.
The uranium and plutonium is recycled and sent to a conversion plant where they are blended into
fresh fuel (mixed oxide fuel or MOX). Spent fuel sent for reprocessing is owned by the country from
which it came and after it has been reprocessed, must be returned to the country of origin in some
form. The MOX and waste is transported in specially designed transport containers, where the waste
is stored for eventual disposal and the MOX to produce more energy in the nuclear reactor.

 

 

Image library

Sellafield Site, Courtesy of Sellafield LtdRoad transport of spent fuel, Japan, Courtesy of Nuclear Fuel Transport Co., Ltd. (NFT)Unloading Operations, Japan, Courtesy of Nuclear Fuel Transport Co., Ltd. (NFT)Spent Fuel Casks in Hold, Courtesy of International Nuclear ServicesCask for fresh MOX fuel, Courtesy of AREVASpent fuel transport cask, Courtesy of Nuclear Fuel Transport Co., Ltd. (NFT)Off‐loading spent fuel cask for radiological inspection, Courtesy of AREVALoading at Cherbourg Port, Courtesy of AREVARail transport of spent fuel, Courtesy of Direct Rail Services Ltd. (DRS)TN™12 for the transport of used fuel elements, Courtesy of AREVAReturn of vitrified waste to Germany, Courtesy of AREVA
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