PPPL-5444
Overview of Plasma Mass Filters for Nuclear Waste Remediation
PPPL Authors: S.J. Zweben, N.J. Fisch, R. Gueroult,
I. Ochs, C.A. Gentile, A. Khodak, F.M. Levinton
Abstract:
This PPPL Report presents an overview of plasma mass filters for
nuclear waste remediation, based on studies at PPPL done during the
period 2012-2017. The Introduction describes the motivations and
goals, the experimental background, and options for nuclear waste
separation. Section 2 describes various possible plasma physics
mechanisms for ion mass filtering, such as ion gyro-orbit
separation, drift-orbit separation, the vacuum arc centrifuge,
steady-state rotating plasmas in various geometry, and several
others. Section 3 describes some generic physics issues concerning
these processes, such as the ion charge state, neutrals and
molecules, collisions, radiation loss, and electric fields and
fluctuations. Section 4 describes some generic technology issues
such as the plasma source, plasma heating, and material handling.
The last section outlines a possible R&D plan, including staged
goals and specific research needs for theory and diagnostics. The
last sub-section summarizes the findings of this report.