Nuclear data evaluation for decay heat analysis of spent nuclear fuel over 1–100 k year timescale

Doran, H. R. , Cresswell, A. J. , Sanderson, D. C.W. and Falcone, G. (2022) Nuclear data evaluation for decay heat analysis of spent nuclear fuel over 1–100 k year timescale. European Physical Journal Plus, 137, 665. (doi: 10.1140/epjp/s13360-022-02865-7)

Abstract

Accurate nuclear data are essential in the evaluation of decay heat from spent nuclear fuel (SNF). The accuracy of such data was assessed using an approach that compares values reported in different evaluated libraries and determines whether discrepancies reflect inaccuracies in primary data. A short list of 43 isotopes which are most significant to SNF decay heat calculations over 1–100 k years was produced by combining generic reactor inventory code with decay heat analysis for undifferentiated SNF. Decay properties (half-lives and decay energies) and neutron interactions (cross section and fission yields) were compared from 6 evaluated libraries. Fission product (FP) discrepancies identified are 90Sr half-life, where inclusion of a single measurement significantly reduces the evaluated value; 95mNb beta energy, where DDEP evaluation omits the decay to the 95Mo ground state; 99Tc beta energy, where evaluations differ by approximately 10% with a variety of shape factors used; 126Sb/126mSb beta (JEF2.2/3.1.1/3.3) and electron energies (JEFF3.1.1), where intensity differences are reported; and 137Cs beta energy, where ENDF/B-VIII.0 and JEF3.3 evaluations use incorrect shape factors. For actinides, the major discrepancies identified were 237Np alpha energy (JEF2.2/3.1.1) and 225Ac electron energies (ENDF/B-VIII.0) but overall show less discrepancies during long-term disposal (0.1–100 ky) compared to FP’s during interim storage (1–100 years). Further assessments of the 90Sr half-life and the best shape factor for the 99Tc beta decay are needed to improve future decay heat analyses, which are important for designing future stores and evaluating schemes for possible heat recovery.

• Item Type: Articles
• Additional Information: This research is supported by the UK Engineering and Physical Sciences Research Council (EPSRC) [Grant number EP/R513222/1].
• Status: Published
• Refereed: Yes
• Glasgow Author(s) Enlighten ID: Sanderson, Professor David and Falcone, Professor Gioia and Cresswell, Dr Alan and Doran, Hannah
• Authors: Doran, H. R., Cresswell, A. J., Sanderson, D. C.W., and Falcone, G.
• College/School: College of Science and Engineering; College of Science and Engineering > School of Engineering > Systems Power and Energy; College of Science and Engineering > Scottish Universities Environmental Research Centre
• Journal Name: European Physical Journal Plus
• Publisher: Springer
• ISSN: 2190-5444
• ISSN (Online): 2190-5444
• Copyright Holders: Copyright © 2022 The Authors
• First Published: First published in European Physical Journal Plus 137:665
• Publisher Policy: Reproduced under a Creative Commons licence

Project Code	Award No	Project Name	Principal Investigator	Funder's Name	Funder Ref	Lead Dept
305200		DTP 2018-19 University of Glasgow	Mary Beth Kneafsey	Engineering and Physical Sciences Research Council (EPSRC)	EP/R513222/1	MVLS - Graduate School