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

HS v2017 Code: 284450

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

HS code 284450 covers spent (irradiated) fuel elements, also known as cartridges, from nuclear reactors. This industry plays a critical role in the nuclear power sector, which is a significant contributor to the global energy supply. The proper handling and disposal of these spent fuel elements are essential for ensuring the safety and sustainability of nuclear power generation.

Production process

Spent fuel elements are produced as a result of the nuclear fission process in nuclear reactors. After the fuel has been used to generate electricity, the spent fuel elements are removed from the reactor core and placed in specialized storage facilities, such as spent fuel pools or dry cask storage systems. These facilities are designed to safely contain the radioactive materials and prevent the release of harmful radiation into the environment.

Production inputs

The main inputs required for the production of spent fuel elements include uranium-based nuclear fuel, nuclear reactor components, and specialized storage and handling equipment. Nuclear power plants require significant investments in infrastructure, including the reactor itself, cooling systems, and safety systems to ensure the safe operation of the facility.

Production outputs

The primary output of this industry is the spent fuel elements themselves, which must be properly stored and disposed of to mitigate the risks associated with radioactive materials. These spent fuel elements may be 284410 Uranium natural, uranium depleted, thorium, 284420 Uranium enriched in U 235, plutonium and their compounds; alloys, dispersions, ceramic products and mixtures containing these products, or other nuclear materials. The proper management and disposal of these spent fuel elements are critical to the continued operation and expansion of the nuclear power industry.

Revisions to 284450

Classification codes are adjusted frequently. The code may have been revised or replaced between system versions. The table below shows the history (newest to oldest) of the code 284450. The most recent 1 version of this code (284450) is in the HS v2022 system:

This page shows a legacy version of code 284450 ( HS v2017).

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

    graph LR
    A["<a href='/classifications/hs/v2017/28'>28: Inorganic chemicals; organic and inorganic compounds of precious metals; of rare earth metals, of radio-active elements and of isotopes</a>"]
A --> B["<a href='/classifications/hs/v2017/2844'>2844: Radioactive chemical elements and radioactive isotopes (including the fissile or fertile chemical elements and isotopes); and their compounds; mixtures and residues containing these products</a>"]
B --> C["<a href='/classifications/hs/v2017/284450'>284450: Spent (irradiated) fuel elements (cartridges) of nuclear reactors</a>"]

    B --> D["<a href='/classifications/hs/v2017/284410'>284410: Uranium; natural uranium and its compounds, alloys, dispersions (including cermets), ceramic products and mixtures containing natural uranium or natural uranium compounds</a>"]
B --> E["<a href='/classifications/hs/v2017/284420'>284420: Uranium; enriched in U235, plutonium, their compounds, alloys dispersions (including cermets), ceramic products and mixtures containing uranium enriched in U235, plutonium or compounds of these products</a>"]
B --> F["<a href='/classifications/hs/v2017/284430'>284430: Uranium; depleted in U235, thorium, their compounds, alloys, dispersions (including cermets), ceramic products and mixtures containing uranium depleted in U235, thorium; compounds of these products</a>"]
B --> G["<a href='/classifications/hs/v2017/284440'>284440: Radioactive elements, isotopes, compounds, n.e.c. in heading no. 2844 alloys, dispersions (including cermets), ceramic products and mixtures containing these elements, isotopes or compounds; radioactive residues</a>"]

    

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