Near Term Recycling Option Using Fusion Grade Plasmas

A fusion grade plasma (FGP) offers a unique technological option for the recycling of elements that are bound to difficult to separate chemicals. A concept for a general recycling system based on FGP's is described. The system has a wide potential range of applications and can handle highly intractable recycling problems in an environmentally acceptable manner. This paper focuses upon two near term applications: 1) the separation/transmutation of radioactive fission wastes, and 2) the safe destruction of chemical/biological weapons. The technological state of development and energy utilization efficiency of each subsystem is discussed.