Gas-cooled reactors of a mixed fuel-moderator type
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Date
1958-06-02
Authors
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
Melbourne University Press on behalf of The Australian Atomic Energy Commission
Abstract
Reactors of this type may use any of the moderators, graphite, beryllium oxide or beryllium, and one of the coolant gases hydrogen, helium, carbon dioxide, nitrogen or other suitable gas to be selected on the grounds of compatibility with the moderator and circuit materials and engineering suitability. The uranium233-thorium fuel cycle is the most suitable because the conversion factor possible with this system is greater than with the Z plutonium-uranium238 cycle. Because there is no necessity for lumping the fuel, the moderator may be used to dilute the fuel and to increase the surface available for heat transfer to the coolant. This dilution should also improve the burn-up possible before the 6 fuel element suffers physical disintegration. The fuel and fertile material may be mixed uniformly with the moderator, or may be in a thin, enriched layer near the surface of the element. The fuel elements may be rods, spheres, plates, or bricks, pierced by coolant channels. Research will be directed towards the production of a high integrity fuel element, the solution of problems of compatibility of gas and moderator, control of fission products and reprocessing and refabricating fuel elements. It is expected that this type of reactor will have particular application in the power range of 5 to 5OMW.
Description
Physical copies held by ANSTO Library at DDC: 539.7/348
Keywords
Reactors, Gas cooled reactors, Reactor fueling, Graphite, Beryllium oxides, Beryllium, Hydrogen, Helium, Carbon dioxide, Nitrogen, Uranium 233
Citation
Dalton, G. C. J. (1958). Gas-cooled reactors of a mixed fuel-moderator type. Paper present to the Australian Atomic Energy Symposium, 1958, "Peaceful Uses of Atomic Energy In Australia, Sydney, June 2 to 6, 1958. In Australian Atomic Energy Symposium, 1958 : proceedings of a Symposium on the Peaceful Uses of Atomic Energy in Australia held in Sydney from June 2 to 6, 1958. Carlton, Victoria : Melbourne University Press on behalf of the Australian Atomic Energy Commission, (pp. 340-345).