RM
Remote decanning of Magnox fuel elements
Remote decanning of Magnox fuel elements in progress at Sellafield Nuclear Reprocessing Plant in West Cumbria, UK. Sellafield's main operation is the reprocessing of spent fuel from Magnox reactors, the UK's first generation of nuclear power stations. This fuel consists of natural (unenriched) uranium contained within a magnesium alloy (Magnox) can. The Magnox cladding is removed by remote control, to protect the operator from radiation. Chemical processes are then used to separate the residual uranium (at least 96% by mass) from the by products plutonium (about 1%) & lighter, highly radioactive waste elements (3%). The reclaimed uranium can be used again as fuel.
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