Aspects of 238Pu production in the experimental fast reactor JOYO

Experimental determination Of Pu-238 in Np-237 samples irradiated in the experimental fast reactor JOYO was done as part of the demonstration Of Pu-238 production from Np-237 in fast reactors within the framework of the protected Pu production project, which aims at reinforcement of proliferation resistance of Pu by increasing the Pu-238 isotopic ratio. Pu-238 production amount in the irradiated Np-237 samples was determined by a radioanalytical technique. Aspects Of Pu-238 production were examined on the basis of the present radioanalysis. The Pu-238 production amount depends on the neutron spectrum which can range from that of a typical fast reactor to a nearly epi-thermal spectrum. It is concluded that the fast reactor has not only high potential for use in protected Pu production, but also as an incinerator for excess Pu. (c) 2005 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.