Criticality investigations for the fixed bed nuclear reactor using thorium fuel mixed with plutonium or minor actinides

Sahin S., Sahin H. M., ACIR A., Al-Kusayer T. A.

ANNALS OF NUCLEAR ENERGY, vol.36, no.8, pp.1032-1038, 2009 (SCI-Expanded) identifier identifier

  • Publication Type: Article / Article
  • Volume: 36 Issue: 8
  • Publication Date: 2009
  • Doi Number: 10.1016/j.anucene.2009.06.003
  • Journal Name: ANNALS OF NUCLEAR ENERGY
  • Journal Indexes: Science Citation Index Expanded (SCI-EXPANDED), Scopus
  • Page Numbers: pp.1032-1038
  • Gazi University Affiliated: Yes

Abstract

Prospective fuels for a new reactor type, the so called fixed bed nuclear reactor (FBNR) are investigated with respect to reactor criticality. These are (1) low enriched uranium (LEU); (2) weapon grade plutonium + ThO2; (3) reactor grade plutonium + ThO2; and (4) minor actinides in the spent fuel of light water reactors (LWRs) + ThO2. Reactor grade plutonium and minor actinides are considered as highly radioactive and radio-toxic nuclear waste products so that one can expect that they will have negative fuel costs.