[ RadSafe ] Unit three has MOX fuel?

[Jeff Terry]

Hi Phil, 

Unit three does utilize MOX fuel, see http://www.world-nuclear-news.org/newsarticle.aspx?id=28211

A meltdown in any reactor would be serious, I suppose that it is hard to put a degree of serious on this. but, in my opinion, the MOX fuel (less than 10% Pu) is not the big issue. 

Jeff


Jeff Terry
Asst. Professor of Physics
Life Science Bldg Rm 166
Illinois Institute of Technology
3101 S. Dearborn St. 
Chicago IL 60616
630-252-9708
terryj at iit.edu




On Mar 13, 2011, at 12:28 PM, Egidi, Phil wrote:

> I saw this on the BBC site, can anyone verify?
> 
> The BBC's Chris Hogg in Tokyo says a meltdown at reactor 3 would be potentially more serious than at the other reactors, because it is fuelled by plutonium and uranium, unlike the other units which carry only uranium.
> 
> This from the Washington Post (11:25 AM MST Sunday is when I am posting this):
> Though the third unit is being filled with water, its gauge inside does not register the rising levels, Edano said. He did not have an explanation. 
> 
> I am not a reactor guy, I know not from one to another.  Please opine of the significance of these reports.
> 
> My heart goes out to the people of Japan; Mother Nature sure is an insidious wench at times.  Amazing what a flick of her finger can do.
> 
> Phil Egidi
> CDPHE
> _______________________________________________
> You are currently subscribed to the RadSafe mailing list
> 
> Before posting a message to RadSafe be sure to have read and understood the RadSafe rules. These can be found at: http://health.phys.iit.edu/radsaferules.html
> 
> For information on how to subscribe or unsubscribe and other settings visit: http://health.phys.iit.edu