Alternative Dispositions for Irradiated Superconducting Magnet Materials

Three options for the disposition of irradiated materials from the STARFIRE toroidal field (TF) magnets were examined, namely, (1) preparation of the irradiated magnet for the subsequent refabrication of a new magnet using the irradiated materials, (2) reprocessing of selected materials and the subsequent manufacturing of a new magnet using these and new materials with standard fabrication techniques, and (3) disposal of the irradiated magnet material. The results indicate that refabrication of a magnet using the acceptable components of the irradiated magnet is technologically feasible. The total cost of refabricating the 12 TF magnets was estimated to be $21 million in 1982 dollars. Since this option avoids the purchase of new magnets which would cost over $170 million, it is the preferred economic choice. In comparison, reprocessing and recycling of the magnet materials through standard channels of trade yields a net profit of $0.4 million, but requires the purchase of a new set of magnets. In the event that the old magnets are unusable (e.g., as a result of significant advances in magnet design or severe accidental damage), reprocessing of the TF-coil materials can be used to recover the decommissioning costs associated with the STARFIRE magnets. Lastly, the low induced radioactivity levels in the magnets permit their qualification as Class A radioactive waste. Simply disposing of the magnets via shallow land burial was estimated to cost $3 million, including all the associated costs of dismantling, packaging, shipping, and ultimate disposal.