Design of the Fuel Processing Loop for the Next European Torus

This paper presents a summary of the results of a detailed design study performed for the Fuel Processing Loop of the Next European Torus (NET). The design is based on the concept of adsorption of impurities on molecular sieve at liquid nitrogen temperature, followed by catalytic oxidation of the regenerated impurities to water, and subsequent reduction of the water by electrolysis. The design study has shown that the process can be engineered using, mostly, available components, and can be designed to be safe. Special design features to make the process passively safe are described. The results of a preliminary safety analysis are summarized. Tritium inventories in the various sections of the process loops are shown. A cost estimate for the overall process system is also presented.