A two-region thermal breeder consisting of a homogeneous core of U233O2SO4 in D2O and a blanket of thorium metal rods suspended in D2O is investigated from the standpoint of the economics of such a reactor as a central station power producer. Blanket thickness and thorium concentration are optimized, and the optimized thorium rod blanket reactor is compared with a similar reactor having a ThO2 slurry blanket. From this comparison, power costs are found to be about 9% higher in the case of the thorium rod blanket. A novel blanket design consisting of rotating cylindrical assemblies is suggested as a method for reducing Pa233 losses, and some aspects of the design of such a blanket is considered.

Reviews costs and benefits of nuclear programs involving Defense Dept and nuclear industries.

Reviews costs and benefits of nuclear programs involving Defense Dept and nuclear industries.