Neptunium-237 production forecasts, IPD 1964--73

Neptunium-237 production has been-calculated according to the equations documented in Reference 1 for use in 1964-AEC study. cases. The assumptions made in the forecasts are as follows: Only the 947 stream is recycled. The blend enrichment for the recycle maternal is 1.2 per cent for F-Y 64 and 65. For FY 66 -73, a blend enrichment of 1.4 per cent is assumed which is better value according to the optimization model of C. W. Showalter. The 947 stream recycle time is two years. In cases A and B where the 947 stream volume is materially increased, virgin 947 material is introduced to make up the material balance. The U-236 content of the blend material- is 66 ppm{sup 2}. The U-236 input level in the 947 stream for the input of FY 64 is 200 ppm{sup 1}. Separations recovery is 85 per cent for FY 64--65 and 90 per cent thereafter. The material throughput data are given in Table I. These values are consistent with those being assumed for the AEC study cases. The Kgs of Np-237 by fiscal year are given in Table II. It must be remembered that these forecasts are based on a particular set of idealized assumptions, and the schedules represent IPD output only.