Year
1975
Abstract
The verification of the reprocessing input analysis can be improved by the use of new techniques. Referee samples encapsulated in aluminium cans do not show any storage instability as do solutions. Automatic equipment reduces costs and improves reproducebility. The balancing of pre- and postirradiation uranium and the isotope correlation technique can not only be used for verification purposes bu,t also enable the detection of sources of error. The analysis of spent fuels at the reprocessing input point is of relevance in the nuclear fuel cycle : nuclear technology, fuel management and safeguards. From the postirradiation isotopic composition of a fuel, conclusions about the performance of the power stations can be drawn. The input analysis determines the economic value of the spent fuel as well as the amount of fissile material to be further safeguarded in the fuel cycle. Present difficulties in the reprocessing technology itself seem to overshadow the severe problems of the input analysis. An improvement of the situation should be called for.