AW: [ RadSafe ] Fast neutron reactors

[Rainer.Facius at dlr.de]

Steven,

I forward a paper and a commentary by George Stanford (and colleagues) which can answer your question authoritatively, much more so than I can. >From the paper the following quote gives the gist of the argument.

"Fast reactors can extract more energy from nuclear fuel than thermal reactors do because their rapidly moving (higher energy) neutrons cause atomic fissions more efficiently than the slow thermal neutrons do. This effectiveness stems from two phenomena. At slower speeds, many more neutrons are absorbed in nonfission reactions and are lost. Second, the higher energy of a fast neutron makes it much more likely that a fertile heavy metal atom like uranium 238 will fission when struck. Because of this fact, not only are uranium 235 and plutonium 239 likely to fission in a fast reactor, but an appreciable fraction of the heavier transuranic atoms will do so as well. "

>From the commentary the following quote summarizes the consequence: 

"Yes, reprocessing spent nuclear fuel in fast reactors can indeed solve the 'waste problem'. It will allow more than 99% of the energy in uranium to be used -- unlike today's reactors, which utilize less than 1%."

Kind regards, Rainer

Dr. Rainer Facius
German Aerospace Center
Institute of Aerospace Medicine
Linder Hoehe
51147 Koeln
GERMANY
Voice: +49 2203 601 3147 or 3150
FAX:   +49 2203 61970

 

________________________________

Von: radsafe-bounces at radlab.nl im Auftrag von Steven Dapra
Gesendet: Sa 29.11.2008 17:28
An: radsafe at radlab.nl
Betreff: [ RadSafe ] Fast neutron reactors


Nov. 29

        According to a book review in "Health Physics News" (Nov. 2008; p. 9, col.
3), fast neutron reacxtors will minimize waste and make better use of
uranium resources.  How will such reactors reduce rad waste and use uranium
more efficiently?

Steven Dapra
sjd at swcp.com


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