PACER revisited

Conference · Tue Oct 04 04:00:00 EDT 1988

OSTI ID:6718615

Moir, R W

This paper discusses a modified version of the PACER concept for power and nuclear material production, which changes the working fluid in the cavity from steam to the molten salt, LiF + BeF/sub 2/. In the PACER concept, a 20-kt peaceful nuclear explosion is contained in a cavity about 200 m in diameter, filled with 200 atm of 500/degree/C steam. Energy from the explosion is used to produce power, and the neutrons are used to produce materials such as /sup 233/U, Pu, /sup 60/Co, and T. The present idea is to modify the PACER concept in three ways, to improve the practicality, predictability, and safety of power production from this technology and thus improve public acceptance of this power source. These improvements are line the cavity with steel; replace the steam with molten salt; and reduce the explosive yield to about 2 kt. This concept is the only fusion power concept where the underlying technology is proven and in hand today. 9 refs., 3 figs., 1 tab.

• Research Organization: Lawrence Livermore National Lab., CA (USA)
• DOE Contract Number: W-7405-ENG-48
• OSTI ID: 6718615
• Report Number(s): UCRL-98468; CONF-881031-22; ON: DE89001723
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

Related Subjects

29 ENERGY PLANNING, POLICY, AND ECONOMY
299000 -- Energy Planning & Policy-- Unconventional Sources & Power Generation
45 MILITARY TECHNOLOGY, WEAPONRY, AND NATIONAL DEFENSE
450201* -- Military Technology
Weaponry
& National Defense-- Nuclear Explosions & Explosives-- Containment
CAVITIES
DESIGN
EXPLOSIONS
MODIFICATIONS
NUCLEAR EXPLOSIONS
POWER GENERATION
UNDERGROUND EXPLOSIONS