Reactor Physics Characterization of Transmutation Targeting Options in a Sodium Fast Reactor

Conference · Sun Apr 01 00:00:00 EDT 2007

DOI:https://doi.org/10.2172/920415· OSTI ID:911956

Bays, Samuel E

In sodium fast reactor designs, the fuel related inherent negative reactivity feedback is accomplished mainly through parasitic capture in U-238. However for an efficient minor actinide burning system, it is desirable to reduce or eliminate U-238 entirely to suppress further transuranic actinide generation. Consequently, reactivity feedback is accomplished by enhancing axial neutron streaming during a loss of coolant void situation. This is done by flattening “pancake” the active core geometry. Flattening the reactor also increases axial leakage which removes neutrons that could otherwise be used to destroy minor actinides. Therefore, it is important to tailor the neutron spectrum in the core for optimized feedback and minor actinide destruction simultaneously by using minor actinide and fission product targets.

• Research Organization: Idaho National Laboratory (INL)
• Sponsoring Organization: DOE - NE
• DOE Contract Number: AC07-99ID13727
• OSTI ID: 911956
• Report Number(s): INL/CON-07-12439
• Conference Information: M+C &SNA 2007 ,Monterey, California,04/15/2007,04/19/2007
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

Related Subjects

73 NUCLEAR PHYSICS AND RADIATION PHYSICS
ACTINIDES
FAST REACTORS
FEEDBACK
FISSION PRODUCTS
GEOMETRY
LOSS OF COOLANT
minor actinide
NEUTRONS
pressurized wter reactor
REACTOR PHYSICS
self shielding
SODIUM
TARGETS
technetium
Transmutation
U-238