Discussion of Perspectives in Reprocessing of Irradiated Beryllium

On 17 February 2022, a three-party meeting was held to share experiences on feasibility of developing perspective industrial technology for irradiated beryllium reprocessing and evaluation of labor radiation safety. 

The discussion took place between the representatives of the NTCS through Alexander K. Khaidarov, Deputy Executive Director, UMP JSC, Sergey V. Udartsev, Head of Beryllium Laboratory and experts of the IAE Branch RSE NNC RK engaged in the work:

– First Deputy Director – Vladimir V. Baklanov;

– Chief Specialist on Nuclear Technologies – Alexandr D. Vurim;

– Head of Material Testing Department – Yuliya Yu. Baklanova;

– Head of Technical Diagnostics and Control – Larisa V. Chernova.

During the meeting, results of research and development (R&D) conducted in the IAE RSE NNC RK on purification of beryllium reflector irradiated in the Japanese Research Material Testing Reactor JMTR from radionuclides by chlorination method were discussed. The feasibility of alternative technology implementation proposed by the UMP JSC was considered. The technology parameters required to substantiate the cost-benefit of a production site establishment for irradiated beryllium purification based on UMP JSC have been specified.

The next step forward the development of the three-party relationship is development of a joint R&D program concept in the field of prospective industrial technology for irradiated beryllium reprocessing and, consequently, evaluation of time, human and material resources.