Gas-cooled Reactors in the USA

Gas-cooled Reactors in the USA
Author: R. H. Armstrong
Publisher:
Total Pages: 60
Release: 1960
Genre: Chemical reactions
ISBN:

A study was made of approximately 132 reports on gas-cooled reactors and related subjects. Charts and tables containing the following information are included: all available reactor information, reactor flow diagrams of suggested concepts, possible core arrangement at core cross section, typical fuel and moderator cell, possible fuel types for unit fuel cell, the properties of materials for moderators and reflectors. the compatibility of gases and base fuel materials at maximum surface temperatures, maximum interface temperatures of fuel elements and core-jacket combinations, allowable operating temperatures and compatibility of gases and various metals. preferences for gas coolants, cost and availability of gases plant thermal cycle efficiencies, thermal properties of gases, pumping power and reactor coolant inlet temperatures, obtainable heat fluxes, composition and physical properties of potential cladding materials. atomic and thermal properties of cladding materials, fabrication characteristics and costs of cladding materials, possible process applications of gases at high temperature, and potential high-temperature materials. The various categories of gas-cooled reactors and examples of each type are discussed. A gas reactor program for high-temperature experimentation is proposed.

Disarmament and Decommissioning in the Nuclear Domain

Disarmament and Decommissioning in the Nuclear Domain
Author: Jean-Claude Amiard
Publisher: John Wiley & Sons
Total Pages: 354
Release: 2021-08-19
Genre: Technology & Engineering
ISBN: 1119855519

Following the acquisition of the atomic bomb by five states, the United Nations began drafting several treaties to limit nuclear proliferation. These efforts failed, as four more states also acquired nuclear weapons. In a similar vein, an attempt to limit atomic weapons - primarily within the two superpowers - was initiated. While the number of weapons has decreased, the new bombs now being manufactured are more powerful and more precise, negating any reduction in numbers. In the field of civil nuclear use, all nuclear facilities (reactors, factories, etc.) have a limited lifespan. Once a plant is permanently shut down, these facilities must be decommissioned and dismantled. These operations are difficult, time-consuming and costly. In addition, decommissioning generates large volumes of radioactive waste of various categories, including long-lived and high-activity waste. Risks to the environment and to health are not negligible during decommissioning. The International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) and the Nuclear Energy Agency (NEA) of the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) have produced numerous publications with recommendations. Each state has its own decommissioning strategy (immediate or delayed) and final plan for the site - whether it be returning it to greenfield status or obtaining a nuclear site license with centuries-long monitoring.