Nuclear Data for Feasibility Assessment of HLW Transmutation

Abstract

Total neutron yields from spallation reactions in lead at proton energies between 0.4 and 2 Ge V are investigated theoretically. At 1.6 GeV the integral neutron yield from a 100 cm diameter, 100 cm long lead target is calculated to be in the range of 46 to 57 nip, depending on the level density parameter used in the evaporation model of the neutron emission. These yields can provide high neutron fluxes for transmutation of actinides and the radiologically significant fission products 99-fc and 1291. The thermal-neutron induced transmutation cross section of 90Sr was measured at the NRU reactor with an activation technique. The value obtained is 9.7 +/- 0.7 mb. This low value rules out the feasibility of thermal-neutron-induced transmutation of this radionuclide.