The ADAPT concept—an accelerator driven system for the rapid and efficient disposal of plutonium

Abstract

A new concept; termedADAPT; for the rapid and virtuallycompleteburningof plutonium is described. ADAPT employs a high currentC'W linear accelerator (linac) to generate neutrons in a lead/D:O target. The neutrons are then absorbed in a surrounding subcritical (K,,-0.95) blanket assembly, that holds small (-0.5 cm diameter)graphitebeads containing the plutoniumto be burned. The graphite beads are coated and sealed to contain all fission products, including the noble gases. After destructionof virtuallyall (> 90%) of the originalplutonium loading, the fuel beadsare dischargedand sent to a geologic repositoryfor ultimatedisposal.