The Fission Breeder Reactor

Nuclear power offers an abundant energy supply for the long term and at reasonable costs. Both are badly needed in this world of limited energy reserves and rising energy prices. On the other hand, there are questions widely discussed in the public on nuclear safety, on acceptable means of nuclear waste disposal, and concern on the proliferation of nuclear weapon capabilities. Public confu sion is widespread since facts are often overshadowed by emotions. Recognizing the need for reliable, factual and comprehensive information on nuclear energy, this book on Nuclear Fission Reactors is published .to present the scientific and technical facts of nuclear fission reactors, and to analyse their potential role and risks. The author, Professor Dr. G. Kessler, has worked in nuclear research and project management since 1963. From 1975 to 1978, he acted as project leader for the German/Belgian/Dutch Fast Breeder research and. development activi ties. Since then, he has been Director of the Institute of Neutron Physics and Reactor Technology in the Karlsruhe Nuclear Research Centre. The book is part of the series "Topics in Energy" issued by Springer Publish ers. The intention of this series of in-depth analyses is to present the facts, inherent problems, trends and prospects of energy demand, resources and tech nologies. The vital importance of energy for human activities has become apparent to the public particularly through dramatic events in the area of oil supply.

Fast Breeder Reactors presents the proceedings of the London Conference on Fast Breeder Reactors organized by the British Nuclear Energy Society on May 17-19, 1966. The book covers topics about the place of the fast breeder reactor in the energy programs (including fuel cycles), operating experience with fast reactors; the design of fast reactor prototypes and power reactors (including advanced concepts with coolants other than sodium); fast reactor physics; and fuel technology. The text also describes topics about sodium technology and engineering of fast reactors and provides definitions of fast reactor breeding and inventory. Civil engineers will find the book useful.

Koch, former manager of the Experimental Breeder Reactor-II (EBR-II), offers a first-hand account of the development, design, construction, and initial operation of this facility, which has contributed to the foundation of knowledge for all fast reactors. He explains why certain design choices were made while others were rejected. He also outlines how he thinks that future sodium cooled fast reactors should be designed, based on the experience gained with EBR-II. An appendix traces the lineage of EBR-II, including original memos and meeting notes, beginning with Enrico Fermi and Walter Zinn and progressing to the formation of the EBR-II project. B&w photos and illustrations are included. The book is of interest to designers of future fast reactors. There is no subject index.

The fast-neutron breeder reactor is the principal means now envisaged of exploiting the very large resource of energy residing in the naturally abundant isotope of uranium-238. This book brings together experts in the field from all participating countries.

Fast Breeder Reactors: An Engineering Introduction is an introductory text to fast breeder reactors and covers topics ranging from reactor physics and design to engineering and safety considerations. Reactor fuels, coolant circuits, steam plants, and control systems are also discussed. This book is comprised of five chapters and opens with a brief summary of the history of fast reactors, with emphasis on international and the prospect of making accessible enormous reserves of energy. The next chapter deals with the physics of fast reactors and considers calculation methods, flux distribution, breeding, control rods, shielding, and reactivity coefficients. The chemistry of fast reactor fuels is also considered, along with the engineering of the core of a power-producing fast reactor and of coolant circuits and steam plants. The final chapter examines aspects of reactor safety that are peculiar to sodium-cooled oxide-fueled fast reactors and describes the inherent features of such a reactor that make for safety, followed by an analysis of risks and some of the protective systems that can be used. This monograph will be of interest to nuclear scientists, physicists, and engineers.