Aqueous homogeneous reactor

Aqueous Homogeneous Reactor (AHR) is a type of nuclear reactor in which the nuclear fuel is dissolved in the coolant water. This configuration allows for a high degree of fuel utilization and a high power density, but also presents unique challenges in terms of nuclear safety and nuclear waste management.

History

The concept of the Aqueous Homogeneous Reactor was first proposed in the 1950s as a potential power source for nuclear submarines. The United States Atomic Energy Commission conducted extensive research on AHRs during the 1950s and 1960s, culminating in the operation of the Homogeneous Reactor Experiment (HRE) and the Homogeneous Reactor Test (HRT).

Design and Operation

In an Aqueous Homogeneous Reactor, the nuclear fuel is dissolved in the coolant water, forming a homogeneous mixture. This mixture is circulated through the reactor core, where the nuclear fission reactions take place. The heat generated by these reactions is transferred to a secondary coolant loop, which is used to generate steam for power production.

The use of a homogeneous fuel/coolant mixture allows for a high degree of fuel utilization, as all of the fuel is in direct contact with the coolant. This also allows for a high power density, as the heat generated by the fission reactions can be quickly and efficiently transferred to the coolant.

However, the use of a homogeneous fuel/coolant mixture also presents unique challenges. The high temperatures and pressures inside the reactor can lead to the formation of radioactive waste products, which must be carefully managed to ensure nuclear safety. Additionally, the homogeneous nature of the fuel/coolant mixture makes it difficult to control the neutron economy of the reactor, which can lead to issues with reactor control and reactor stability.

Applications

While the Aqueous Homogeneous Reactor has not been widely adopted for power production, it has found use in other applications. For example, AHRs have been used for the production of radioisotopes for medical and industrial uses. They have also been proposed as a potential solution for the disposal of nuclear waste, as the homogeneous fuel/coolant mixture allows for the efficient transmutation of long-lived radioactive isotopes.

See Also

• Nuclear reactor
• Nuclear fuel
• Nuclear safety
• Nuclear waste
• Radioisotope