2. Principle and issues of separation-transmutation
2.1 Principle
The fundamental principle of ST is to fission minor actinides (see Transmutation box). In a neutron flux, the transmutation of heavy nuclei (U, Pu, minor actinides) depends on competition between fission and capture. The former produces fission products, the latter radionuclides that we want to eliminate. To promote fission, fast neutrons are used, which in turn fission nuclei that have not been fissioned by slow neutrons, such as 238 U. Moreover, the higher the neutron flux, the more nuclei are destroyed. Ultimately, it is the product of the relative efficiency of nuclear reactions (measured by the ratio of the fission and capture cross sections) and the neutron flux that controls the disappearance of radionuclides. For...
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Principle and issues of separation-transmutation
International situation
Bibliography
Regulations
Légifrance website http://www.legifrance.fr
Law no. 91-1381 of December 30, 1991 on research into radioactive waste management.
Law no. 2006-739 of June 28, 2006 on the sustainable management of radioactive materials and waste.
Law no. 2006-686 of June 13, 2006 on nuclear transparency and safety.
Law no. 75-633 of July 15, 1975 and law no....
Organizations
French Ministry of Ecology, Energy, Sustainable Development and Spatial Planning (Meeddat) http://www.developpement-durable.gouv.fr
Parliamentary Office for the Evaluation of Scientific and Technological Choices (Opecst) http://www.senat.fr/opecst/index.html
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