Minimizing or eliminating refueling of nuclear reactor

Details Minimizing or eliminating refueling of nuclear reactor Minimizing or eliminating refueling of nuclear reactor

1987-09-16

1989-07-25

Walsh, Donald P.

Induced nuclear reactions: processes, systems, and elements

Handling of fission reactor component structure within...

Fuel component

376171, G21C 1900

Patent

active

048511820

ABSTRACT:
Demand for refueling of a liquid metal fast nuclear reactor having a life of 30 years is eliminated or reduced to intervals of at least 10 years by operating the reactor at a low linear-power density, typically 2.5 kw/ft of fuel rod, rather than 7.5 or 15 kw/ft, which is the prior art practice. So that power of the same magnitude as for prior art reactors is produced, the volume of the core is increased. In addition, the height of the core and it diameter are dimensioned so that the ratio of the height to the diameter approximates 1 to the extent practicable considering the requirement of control and that the pressure drop in the coolant shall not be excessive. The surface area of a cylinder of given volume is a minimum if the ratio of the height to the diameter is 1. By minimizing the surface area, the leakage of neutrons is reduced. By reducing the linear-power density, increasing core volume, reducing fissile enrichment and optimizing core geometry, internal-core breeding of fissionable fuel is substantially enhanced. As a result, core operational life, limited by control worth requirements and fuel burnup capability, is extended up to 30 years of continuous power operation.

REFERENCES:
patent: 4562034 (1985-12-01), Umegaki
patent: 4587078 (1986-05-01), Azekura
patent: 4755352 (1988-07-01), Glen

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