Fast-neutron reactor

Fast-neutron reactor is a type of nuclear reactor in which the fission chain reaction is sustained by fast neutrons. This is in contrast to thermal-neutron reactors, which rely on thermal (slow) neutrons to sustain the reaction. Fast-neutron reactors have the potential to provide a significant increase in the efficiency of uranium use, reducing the amount of waste produced.

History

The concept of a fast-neutron reactor was first proposed in the 1940s. The first experimental fast-neutron reactor, Clementine, was built in the United States in 1946. Since then, several countries, including Russia, France, and Japan, have developed and operated fast-neutron reactors.

Design and operation

Fast-neutron reactors are designed to operate with fast neutrons, which have a higher energy level than thermal neutrons. This is achieved by using a neutron moderator that does not slow down the neutrons as much as in a thermal-neutron reactor.

The fuel used in fast-neutron reactors is typically a mixture of plutonium and uranium, although other materials can also be used. The fuel is surrounded by a blanket of fertile material, such as thorium or uranium-238, which can be converted into fissile material by the fast neutrons.

Advantages and disadvantages

One of the main advantages of fast-neutron reactors is their ability to burn a wider range of nuclear fuels, including nuclear waste. This can potentially reduce the amount of waste produced by nuclear power plants and increase the efficiency of uranium use.

However, fast-neutron reactors also have several disadvantages. They are more complex and expensive to build and operate than thermal-neutron reactors. They also require a higher level of technical expertise and stricter safety measures due to the higher energy level of the neutrons.

Future prospects

Despite the challenges, there is ongoing interest in the development of fast-neutron reactors due to their potential benefits. Several countries, including China and India, are currently developing new fast-neutron reactors.