----- Original Message -----
Sent: Tuesday, December 10, 2002 10:08
AM
Subject: 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
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