Abstract
A novel concept of thorium once-through fuel cycle for CANDU-type reactors is proposed. The main innovation of the concept is described, including segregation of enriched uranium from thorium to allow separate fuel management routes. Geometry is chosen to enhance leakage of uranium-born neutrons to subcritical thorium parts of the core. Discharged burnup values for thorium and uranium are subjects to optimization regarding uranium savings benefit. Neutronic analysis indicated a potential for significant savings in the uranium requirement (approx. 50%). Fuel cycle cost calculations based on a simple economic model and reasonable set of economic parameters show no economic penalty in realizing fuel utilization improvements.
| Original language | English |
|---|---|
| Pages (from-to) | 343-349 |
| Number of pages | 7 |
| Journal | Nuclear Technology |
| Volume | 73 |
| Issue number | 3 |
| DOIs | |
| State | Published - 1 Jan 1986 |
ASJC Scopus subject areas
- Nuclear and High Energy Physics
- Nuclear Energy and Engineering
- Condensed Matter Physics