Summary of Off-Normal Events in US Fuel Cycle Facilities for AFCI Applications

Abstract

This report is a collection and review of system operation and failure experiences for facilities comprising the fission reactor fuel cycle, with the exception of reactor operations. This report includes mines, mills, conversion plants, enrichment plants, fuel fabrication plants, transportation of fuel materials between these centers, and waste storage facilities. Some of the facilities discussed are no longer operating; others continue to produce fuel for the commercial fission power plant industry. Some of the facilities discussed have been part of the military’s nuclear effort; these are included when the processes used are similar to those used for commercial nuclear power. When reading compilations of incidents and accidents, after repeated entries it is natural to form an opinion that there exists nothing but accidents. For this reason, production or throughput values are described when available. These adverse operating experiences are compiled to support the design and decisions needed for the Advanced Fuel Cycle Initiative (AFCI). The AFCI is to weigh options for a new fission reactor fuel cycle that is efficient, safe, and productive for US energy security.

Related Papers

• → Nuclear Fuel Leasing, Recycling, and Proliferation: Modeling a Global View(2005)5 cited
• → On feasibility of a closed nuclear power fuel cycle with minimum radioactivity(2015)1 cited
• → The Study of Typical PWR Nuclear Fuel Cycle(2014)
• Integrated approach to problems in the nuclear fuel cycle. [Integrated approach to problems in the nuclear fuel cycle with emphasis on the interrelationships between various fuel cycle decisions and options and criteria for potential government involvement](1976)
• → Modeling a Global View on Nuclear Fuel Leasing, Recycling, and Proliferation(2022)