Nuclear reactors for high temperature process heat: a survey of reactor types and temperature regimes
The annual energy consumption of the U. S. in 1970 was about 72 x 10/sup 15/ Btu, and of this about 20 percent was used to furnish process heat. The comparative economic attractiveness of nuclear energy for process heat is examined. Nuclear reactors are characterized on the basis of the temperature regime in which they operate and might be expected to deliver process heat. Substantially higher temperatures could be achieved with reactors designed for the purpose of delivering process heat. A ''breeder economy'' might accommodate a significant amount of process heat production by /sup 235/U consuming reactors or, more likely an intermediate type of reactor having substantial conversion of /sup 238/U and/or /sup 232/Th to a more readily fissionable form. The high temperature regime reactors where the most efficient use of nuclear heat may be made in such processes as hydrogen production, iron ore reduction or coal gasification are emphasized. Helium cooled, coated fuel particle loaded graphite reactors are discussed in some detail indicating paths which may lead to higher fluid temperatures than those produced within existing power reactors.
- Research Organization:
- Los Alamos Scientific Lab., NM
- OSTI ID:
- 7341563
- Journal Information:
- Am. Chem. Soc., Div. Fuel Chem., Prepr.; (United States), Vol. 18:3; Conference: 166. American Chemical Society national meeting, Chicago, IL, USA, 26 Aug 1973; Other Information: See CONF-730807--P1
- Country of Publication:
- United States
- Language:
- English
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FOSSIL FUELS
COST
NUCLEAR FUELS
PROCESS HEAT REACTORS
COMPARATIVE EVALUATIONS
ECONOMICS
ENERGY CONSUMPTION
FORECASTING
PROCESS HEAT
USA
ENERGY
ENERGY SOURCES
FUELS
HEAT
NORTH AMERICA
REACTOR MATERIALS
REACTORS
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