Plasma Exhaust Processing Closing the Fuel Cycle 1 C. A. Gentile, 1 C. Priniski, 2 J. Sethian, 1 W. Blanchard, 1 L. Ciebiera, 1 F. Dahlgren, 1 G. Gettelfinger, 1 S. Langish 1 Princeton Plasma Physics Laboratory 2 Naval Research Laboratory HAPL Workshop Oak Ridge National Laboratory March , 2006 * Please see poster: C. Priniski, et al. on T Collection & Purification

Motivation Safe, economical processing is crucial to the success of fusion energy devices. At ≈ $3/Ci - $8/Ci one kg of T cost ≈ $29M - $78M. Perhaps more. Processing plasma exhaust has been demonstrated in an operational fusion environment (TFTR, JET). Deliver T (and D) back to target manufacturing in a timely manner. Closing the fuel loop in IFE reduces external handling (DOT 49 CFR) and burial site issues in support of a lower operational inventory.

Requirements:

Estimated Operational Parameters

Components of Plasma Exhaust -Hydrogen isotopes (fuel) -Hydrocarbons (foam, over coating) -Trace metals (target coating) -Helium isotopes (decay, ash) -Nitrogen (in leakage) -Oxygen (in leakage) -Argon (in leakage) -Water (in leakage) -Other residue from components (walls, blankets, etc.) Question for target designers - Can protium be eliminated from target components?

Facility Categorization Maintain at risk Tritium Inventory at low levels for as long as possible (DOE Std 1027, DOE O ) –Lower regulatory categorization of facility. –Maintain calculated off-site doses from a credible accidental release low. –Safety Analysis Requirements/Reports/Documentation. Radiological Facility< 16,000 Ci* Cat. 3 Nuclear Facility≤ 30 grams Cat. 2 Nuclear Facility> 30 grams Cat. 1 Nuclear FacilityStd * No safety analysis report (SAR) required

Path Forward –Safety Primary Focus - Everything else flows from this position. –Analyze system flows to ensure a safe and efficient design. –Model system flows to identify and prevent bottlenecks in system. –Work with other sub-system groups (blanket, target fabrication) to ensure the T processing system integrates readily into overall project. –Provide a viable Conceptual Design Review (CDR) of System, employing formal technical Design Review process. –Investigate regulatory characterization strategy.

Conclusion To date the fusion fuel cycle has been successfully modeled at various laboratories around the world. Two facilities have successfully processed plasma exhaust and closed the fusion fuel cycle on site. The best experience from the T community including modeled and empirical venues will be integrated into the CDR. A strategy driven ramp up plan for T use will be developed to minimize the effects of regulatory compliance and cost.