Interest in thorium stems mainly from the fact that it is expected to have a substantial increase in uranium prices. So, advanced fuel cycles which increase the reserves of nuclear materials are interesting, particula...Interest in thorium stems mainly from the fact that it is expected to have a substantial increase in uranium prices. So, advanced fuel cycles which increase the reserves of nuclear materials are interesting, particularly, the use of thorium is to produce the fissile isotope ^233U. Thorium is three to five times more abundant than uranium in the earth＇s crust. Additionally, thoria produces less radiotoxicity than the UO2, because it produces fewer amounts of actinides. ThO2 has higher corrosion resistance, besides being chemically stable, and the burning of Pu in a reactor based in thorium also decreases the inventories of Pu from the current fuel cycles. There are some ongoing projects in the world, taking into consideration the proposed goals for Generation IV reactors, namely： sustainability, economics, safety and reliability, proliferation resistance and physical protection. Some developments on the use of thorium in reactors are underway, with the support of the IAEA （International Atomic Energy Agency） and some govern like molten salt reactor. In this paper, we discuss the future importance of thorium, particularly for Brazil, which has large mineral reserves of this strategic element, the characteristics of the molten salt reactor and the experience of the IPEN （Instituto de Pesquisas Energ6ticas e Nucleares） in the purification of thorium compounds.展开更多
As the world faces increasing energy demands and concerns about climate change,nuclear power is experiencing a resurgence as a viable and sustainable energy source.This article explores the strategic initiatives conce...As the world faces increasing energy demands and concerns about climate change,nuclear power is experiencing a resurgence as a viable and sustainable energy source.This article explores the strategic initiatives concerning the advancement of nuclear technologies,highlighting the prompt adoption of SMRs(small modular reactors),the ongoing advancements in Generation IV reactors in the medium term,and the long-term aspirations linked to nuclear fusion.SMRs offer enhanced safety,economic viability,and flexible deployment alternatives,making them an attractive solution for meeting pressing energy demands.In the medium term,Generation IV reactors are anticipated to improve efficiency,sustainability,and safety,effectively tackling the challenges associated with conventional fission reactors.However,significant challenges lie ahead,including public perception,regulatory hurdles,financial barriers,and the need for a skilled workforce.By addressing these challenges,nuclear power can play a pivotal role in creating a sustainable and reliable energy future,contributing significantly to global efforts in climate change mitigation.展开更多
The WRNM(wide range neutron monitoring)is a newly developed neutron monitoring channel which was initially conceived as a means to meet Regulatory Guide 1.97 requirements for post-accident neutron monitoring.The scope...The WRNM(wide range neutron monitoring)is a newly developed neutron monitoring channel which was initially conceived as a means to meet Regulatory Guide 1.97 requirements for post-accident neutron monitoring.The scope was expanded to include the startup monitoring function with the aim of replacing both the source and IRMs(intermediate range monitors)in BWRs(boiling water reactors).The WRNMs,consisting of a newly designed fixed incore regenerative sensor and new electronics,which include both counting and MSV(mean square voltage)channels,have been tested in several reactors and its capabilities have been confirmed.The channel will cover the neutron flux range from 103 nv to 1.5×103 nv;it has greater than 1 decade overlap between the counting and MSV channels.Because of the regenerative fissile coating the sensor,even though fixed incore,has a life of approximately 6.0 full power years in a 51 kW/L BWR and similar situation has been proposed for newly designed small modular reactor such as BWRX-300 of General Electric Hitachi reactor.展开更多
文摘Interest in thorium stems mainly from the fact that it is expected to have a substantial increase in uranium prices. So, advanced fuel cycles which increase the reserves of nuclear materials are interesting, particularly, the use of thorium is to produce the fissile isotope ^233U. Thorium is three to five times more abundant than uranium in the earth＇s crust. Additionally, thoria produces less radiotoxicity than the UO2, because it produces fewer amounts of actinides. ThO2 has higher corrosion resistance, besides being chemically stable, and the burning of Pu in a reactor based in thorium also decreases the inventories of Pu from the current fuel cycles. There are some ongoing projects in the world, taking into consideration the proposed goals for Generation IV reactors, namely： sustainability, economics, safety and reliability, proliferation resistance and physical protection. Some developments on the use of thorium in reactors are underway, with the support of the IAEA （International Atomic Energy Agency） and some govern like molten salt reactor. In this paper, we discuss the future importance of thorium, particularly for Brazil, which has large mineral reserves of this strategic element, the characteristics of the molten salt reactor and the experience of the IPEN （Instituto de Pesquisas Energ6ticas e Nucleares） in the purification of thorium compounds.
文摘As the world faces increasing energy demands and concerns about climate change,nuclear power is experiencing a resurgence as a viable and sustainable energy source.This article explores the strategic initiatives concerning the advancement of nuclear technologies,highlighting the prompt adoption of SMRs(small modular reactors),the ongoing advancements in Generation IV reactors in the medium term,and the long-term aspirations linked to nuclear fusion.SMRs offer enhanced safety,economic viability,and flexible deployment alternatives,making them an attractive solution for meeting pressing energy demands.In the medium term,Generation IV reactors are anticipated to improve efficiency,sustainability,and safety,effectively tackling the challenges associated with conventional fission reactors.However,significant challenges lie ahead,including public perception,regulatory hurdles,financial barriers,and the need for a skilled workforce.By addressing these challenges,nuclear power can play a pivotal role in creating a sustainable and reliable energy future,contributing significantly to global efforts in climate change mitigation.
文摘The WRNM(wide range neutron monitoring)is a newly developed neutron monitoring channel which was initially conceived as a means to meet Regulatory Guide 1.97 requirements for post-accident neutron monitoring.The scope was expanded to include the startup monitoring function with the aim of replacing both the source and IRMs(intermediate range monitors)in BWRs(boiling water reactors).The WRNMs,consisting of a newly designed fixed incore regenerative sensor and new electronics,which include both counting and MSV(mean square voltage)channels,have been tested in several reactors and its capabilities have been confirmed.The channel will cover the neutron flux range from 103 nv to 1.5×103 nv;it has greater than 1 decade overlap between the counting and MSV channels.Because of the regenerative fissile coating the sensor,even though fixed incore,has a life of approximately 6.0 full power years in a 51 kW/L BWR and similar situation has been proposed for newly designed small modular reactor such as BWRX-300 of General Electric Hitachi reactor.
