Can Accelerator-Driven Transmutation Solve the Issue of Nuclear Waste?

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Decreasing the half-life of isotopes in nuclear waste through methods like transmutation has been a topic of discussion. Accelerator-driven transmutation is proposed as a viable solution, potentially converting long-lived radionuclides into shorter-lived ones. This process aims to generate more electrical energy than it consumes, making it economically feasible. Various research initiatives, such as the Advanced Fuel Cycle Initiative, are exploring these technologies. Overall, the concept of transmutation could significantly impact the management of nuclear waste.
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Is there any way we can decrease the half life of isotopes in nuclear waste? such as mutate to some other radionuclides that have a relatively shorter half life than the original isotopes generated by depleted fuel?

Thanks
 
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verygood said:
Is there any way we can decrease the half life of isotopes in nuclear waste? such as mutate to some other radionuclides that have a relatively shorter half life than the original isotopes generated by depleted fuel?

Thanks
The idea has been kicked around for a while.

Accelerator-driven transmutation of nuclear waste and electrical power production
http://www.springerlink.com/content/m8674w1m22n21k51/

Advanced Fuel Cycle Initiative
Transmutation System Design
http://www.ne.anl.gov/research/afc/transmutation_system_design/

Why Accelerator-Driven Transmutation of Wastes Enables Future Nuclear Power?
http://neutron.kth.se/publications/conference_papers/W_Gudowski_FR202_1.PDF

R&D ACTIVITIES ON ACCELERATOR-DRIVEN TRANSMUTATION SYSTEM IN JAERI ...
www.nea.fr/pt/docs/iem/lasvegas04/11_Session_V/S5_03.pdf

. . . .

To be economical, the idea is to produce electrical energy in excess of the energy driving the process - or at least break even.
 
Astronuc said:
The idea has been kicked around for a while.

Accelerator-driven transmutation of nuclear waste and electrical power production
http://www.springerlink.com/content/m8674w1m22n21k51/

Advanced Fuel Cycle Initiative
Transmutation System Design
http://www.ne.anl.gov/research/afc/transmutation_system_design/

Why Accelerator-Driven Transmutation of Wastes Enables Future Nuclear Power?
http://neutron.kth.se/publications/conference_papers/W_Gudowski_FR202_1.PDF

R&D ACTIVITIES ON ACCELERATOR-DRIVEN TRANSMUTATION SYSTEM IN JAERI ...
www.nea.fr/pt/docs/iem/lasvegas04/11_Session_V/S5_03.pdf

. . . .

To be economical, the idea is to produce electrical energy in excess of the energy driving the process - or at least break even.

thx a lot, this completely answers my question! :cool:
 

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