NITRIDE FUELS FOR FAST BREEDER REACTORS:FUEL CYCLE CONSIDERATIONS

摘要

The nitrides of uranium and plutónium appear technically attractive as potential fuels for fast breeder reactors. To examine the potential econ-omic status of the nitrides in commercial power production, a study was made to develop comparative fuel cycle costs for nitride and carbide fuels in a 1000 MWe sodium-cooled fast breeder reactor concept previously developed by Combustion Engineering, Incorporated, in an AEC-sponsored study. Results of the study indicate that nitrides would be competitive with carbides if low-cost processes for conversion of fuel materials to the nitrides were developed. The nitride fuels appear to contribute significantly toward a negative sodium-voiding coefficient.