METHOD FOR RECYCLING OF NUCLEAR PRODUCTION WASTES Russian patent published in 2009 - IPC G21F9/28 

FIELD: power engineering.

SUBSTANCE: invention is related to the field of nuclear power engineering, in particular to electrochemical processing of nuclear fuel. Wastes of nuclear production containing fuel in shell of stainless steel are dissolved in electrolytic cell, body of which is cathode made of titanium, and anode is made of niobium with the possibility of movement to restore electric contact between anode and dissolved fuel elements. Anode is made in the form of clamp, and its movement for restoration of electric contact with dissolved fuel elements is provided by periodical release and compression of clamp-anode with frequency providing for reduced density of current on anode not more than 10% from the rated value, besides ratio of surfaces area between anode part submerged in solution and dissolved fuel elements is (2 ÷ 7) : 1, and ratio of current densities on anode and dissolved fuel elements makes 1: (2 ÷ 7).

EFFECT: method provides for increased stability of electrochemical dissolution of fuel elements and yield of dissolved product by current.