Flowsheet for the reprocessing of type 2, RA-1 fuel elements containig graphite

Abstract

A preliminary mechanical treatment is proposed wich involves cutting the whole fuel element into small pieces, separating the aluminium, and grinding the fuel to a powder. Uranium losses are expected to be a little higher than those from reprocessing of the more conventional uranium/aluminium fuel elements from experimental, reactors. Some non-active experiments have been carried out to obtain data on the preliminary mechanical treatment stages, but, because of the limited time and equipment available, it has not been possible to complete a thorough investigation.