Reducing Radioactivity in High-Level Waste from Spent Fuel Reprocessing and Core Debris at the Fukushima Daiichi NPP by Muon Cluster Fission Technology

This study utilizes the results of experiments on cluster fission and decay of fissile materials using cosmic ray muons to reduce the radiotoxicity of debris melted and solidified during the severe accident at the Fukushima Daiichi Nuclear Power Plant. Experiments confirmed that relatively stable radioactive thorium-232 undergoes nuclear transmutation into stable isotopes of lead and magnesium, halting the reaction. When radioactive powder is uniformly mixed with lead oxide and pure metal powder and heated in a thermite reaction, muon-induced cluster fission occurs instantaneously, followed by beta decay and transmutation into stable lead isotopes within a few hours. Radiation levels drop to background levels, and the radioactive material disappears. More than 1000 experiments conducted over 20 years have confirmed that in addition to thorium-232, mixed radioactive isotopes such as uranium dioxide and americium can be simultaneously transmuted and that a proven 100-pound (45 kg) reactor can process approximately 5 kg of radioactive material at a time. This research also includes feasibility studies on a radioactive debris reduction system that combines a robotic cart, a muon reactor, and an air purification system to collect and process debris that melted and solidified after the Fukushima Daiichi Nuclear Power Plant accident.