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RE: [cdn-nucl-l] SMALL REACTORS FOR REMOTE AREAS



This abbreviated version of the original NW article seems even more confusing -- how the heck do you operate a 50 MW natural uranium reactor for 30 years w/o refuelling ??
 
The original article said that "The reactor is envisioned to be liquid-metal-cooled and run up to 30 years without requiring fresh fuel. At that point, the fuel would be cut out for burial or for reprocessing. The fuel feedstock could be natural or depleted uranium, or the reactor might run on excess weapons-grade plutonium."
 
Clues anyone ?
 
Jaro 
 
-----Original Message-----
From: Jerry Cuttler [mailto:jerrycuttler@rogers.com]
Sent: Monday December 09, 2002 7:02 PM
To: cdn-nucl-l (E-mail)
Subject: [cdn-nucl-l] SMALL REACTORS FOR REMOTE AREAS

Now this is interesting.  I've seen several proposals for reactors like this.
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U.S. TO FUND SMALL REACTOR DEVELOPMENT FOR REMOTE AREAS

Congress is expected to provide funding for development of small modular nuclear reactors that could be easily transported and used to generate power in remote locations.

Producing approximately 50 MW of power, the small reactors would be liquid metal cooled and could operate for about 30 years without needing refueling. The reactor could operate on natural or reprocessed uranium fuel or from material taken from decommissioned nuclear weapons. Designers believe that, in addition to power generation, the reactors could have useful applications in water desalination or hydrogen production. Nucleonics Week 11/28/02