Re: Yucca Poll Sientific American

["Fritz Strydom" <FStrydom@NACINTL.COM>]

Bud,



The main arguments against reprocessing spent fuel are that it is 

expensive and that it creates a proliferation risk by separating plutonium 

from the spent fuel.  If done properly, however, the proliferation risk 

can be virtually eliminated.  The Pu can be extracted and immediately made 

into mixed oxide (MOX)  fuel.  The main benefits of reprocessing are that 

you are utilizing the energy left in "spent" fuel (by making MOX) and the 

resulting waste can be easily vitrified and has a much shorter effective 

half-life.  Most of the rest of the world is or is planning to use 

reprocessing to manage their spent fuel.  The UK, France, Russia, and 

India have active commercial reprocessing plants.  China and Japan are 

building new commercial plants.  In both France and the UK, there are 

questions being raised about the cost of reprocessing.



Transmutation seems to be a promising technology and we should pursue 

further research into this area.  The possibility of future advancements 

in spent fuel management is a good argument against permanent geologic 

disposal. 



Fritz



------------------------------------------------------------

Johannes "Fritz" Strydom

Deputy Manager, Consulting Products

NAC International

678-328-1258      Fax 678-328-1458

fstrydom@nacintl.com

http://www.1nuclearplace.com









"Bud Yard" <Bud.Yard@state.tn.us>

Sent by: owner-radsafe@list.vanderbilt.edu

05/02/2002 01:32 PM

Please respond to "Bud Yard"



 

        To:     <jim_hoerner@HOTMAIL.COM>, <radsafe@list.vanderbilt.edu>

        cc:     (bcc: Fritz Strydom/NAC_Intl)

        Subject:        Re: Yucca Poll Sientific American





Radsafers,



OK, I took the Yucca Poll. But as with most polls, the answer I wanted to 

check was not presented as an option. The results so far are interestingly 

distributed.



I would like some expert opinions on a Yucca related issue. I am familiar 

with the West Valley mess and the Yucca controversy, but as a long term 

solution and a possible alternative to Yucca, what are the pros and cons 

of reprocessing and pursuing transmutation technology?



Any input would be appreciated.



Bud Yard 



>>> "Jim Hoerner" <jim_hoerner@HOTMAIL.COM> 05/02/02 09:21AM >>>



http://www.sciam.com/ 



--

Hold the door for the stranger behind you.  When the driver a 

half-car-length in front of you signals to get over, slow down.  Smile and 



say "hi" to the folks you pass on the sidewalk.  Give blood.  Volunteer.





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