Spent (irradiated) fuel elements (cartridges) of nuclear reactors

CPC v2.1 Code: 3372

About spent (irradiated) fuel elements (cartridges) of nuclear reactors

cpc code 3372 covers the industry responsible for the management and handling of spent (irradiated) fuel elements from nuclear reactors. This industry plays a critical role in the nuclear power sector, ensuring the safe and responsible disposal of radioactive waste generated during the energy production process. As a highly specialized and regulated field, the handling of spent fuel elements is essential for maintaining the safety and sustainability of nuclear power as a key component of the global energy mix.

Production process

The production techniques involved in the management of spent fuel elements typically include a series of complex and carefully controlled processes. After removal from the reactor, the spent fuel is first stored in on-site cooling pools to allow for the decay of short-lived radioactive isotopes. The fuel is then either reprocessed to extract usable materials or packaged for long-term storage and eventual disposal in deep geological repositories.

Production inputs

The main inputs required for the spent fuel management industry include specialized storage and transportation casks, remote handling equipment, and advanced monitoring and safety systems. Additionally, the industry relies on a highly skilled workforce of nuclear engineers, technicians, and regulatory experts to ensure the safe and efficient handling of these radioactive materials.

Production outputs

The primary output of the spent fuel management industry is the safe and responsible disposal of radioactive waste. This may involve the reprocessing of spent fuel to extract usable materials, such as 3371 Uranium and thorium, or the long-term storage and containment of the remaining radioactive waste. The outputs of this industry are critical inputs for other related industries, such as 3371 Uranium and thorium processing and 3829 Manufacture of other special-purpose machinery n.e.c. for the production of specialized nuclear equipment.

Family tree for spent (irradiated) fuel elements (cartridges) of nuclear reactors

    graph LR
    A["<a href='/classifications/cpc/v2-1/3'>3: Other transportable goods, except metal products, machinery and equipment</a>"]
A --> B["<a href='/classifications/cpc/v2-1/33'>33: Coke oven products; refined petroleum products; nuclear fuel</a>"]
B --> C["<a href='/classifications/cpc/v2-1/337'>337: Fuel elements (cartridges), for or of nuclear reactors</a>"]
C --> D["<a href='/classifications/cpc/v2-1/3372'>3372: Spent (irradiated) fuel elements (cartridges) of nuclear reactors</a>"]

    C --> E["<a href='/classifications/cpc/v2-1/3371'>3371: Fuel elements (cartridges), non-irradiated, for nuclear reactors</a>"]

    D --> F["<a href='/classifications/cpc/v2-1/33720'>33720: Spent (irradiated) fuel elements (cartridges) of nuclear reactors</a>"]


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    classDef level6 color:#000,fill:#f1c40f,stroke:#333,stroke-width:1px
    classDef highlight color:#000,fill:#fff,stroke:#000,stroke-width:5px



  %% Apply classes
  class A level1
class B level2
class C level3
class D level4
class E level4
class F level5

  class D highlight

  %% class A level1
  %% class B,C level2
  %% class D,E,F,G,H,I level2
  %% class J,K,L,M,N,O,P level3
  %% class D highlight