Meserve R.M., Laverov N. (Eds.) Progress, Challenges, and Opportunities for Converting U.S. and Russian Research Reactors

National Academy of Sciences, 2012, 115 pages, ISBN: 0309253209 9780309253208Highly enriched uranium (HEU) is used for two major civilian purposes: as fuel for research reactors and as targets for medical isotope production. This material can be dangerous in the wrong hands. Stolen or diverted HEU can be used—in conjunction with some knowledge of physics—to build nuclear explosive devices. Thus, the continued civilian use of HEU is of concern particularly because this material may not be uniformly well-protected.
This report focuses on the civilian use of HEU for research reactor fuel. It summarizes the proceedings of a joint symposium organized by the National Research Council of the U.S. National Academies and Russian Academy of Sciences (RAS) to address progress, challenges, and opportunities for converting U.S. and Russian research reactors from HEU to low enriched uranium (LEU) fuel. This symposium—held in Moscow on June 8-10, 2011—was sponsored by the U.S. Department of Energy–National Nuclear Security Administration’s (NNSA) Office of Defense Nuclear
Nonproliferation.This report addresses:
recent progress on conversion of research reactors, with a focus on U.S.- and R.F.-origin reactors;
lessons learned for overcoming conversion challenges, increasing the effectiveness of research reactor use, and enabling new reactor missions;
future research reactor conversion plans, challenges, and opportunities; and 4) actions that could be taken by U.S. and Russian organizations to promote conversion.Overview
Introduction and background
Challenges and opportunities associated with conversion
Reactor conversion case studies
Managing proliferation risks and maintaining missions
Appendixes
Symposium Agenda
Committee and Staff Biographical Sketches
Statement of Task