Breeder Reactor

Definition

A breeder reactor is a type of nuclear reactor that generates more fissile material than it consumes, typically through the breeding of fissile isotopes like plutonium-239 from non-fissile isotopes like uranium-238. This process allows breeder reactors to produce more nuclear fuel than they use, making them a potential long-term solution for sustainable nuclear energy production.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Breeder reactors can produce more fissile material, such as plutonium-239, than they consume, allowing for the potential of a virtually limitless supply of nuclear fuel.
2. The breeding process in a breeder reactor involves the capture of neutrons by non-fissile isotopes, like uranium-238, which then undergo transmutation to create new fissile isotopes.
3. Breeder reactors typically use fast neutrons to sustain the fission chain reaction, which is more efficient for the breeding process compared to thermal neutron reactors.
4. The development of breeder reactor technology has been an area of significant research and investment, particularly in countries like France, Russia, and India, as a means of addressing concerns about the long-term sustainability of nuclear energy.
5. One of the key challenges with breeder reactors is the potential for the production of weapons-grade plutonium, which has raised concerns about nuclear proliferation and the need for stringent safeguards and security measures.

Review Questions

• Explain how a breeder reactor generates more fissile material than it consumes.
  • A breeder reactor generates more fissile material, such as plutonium-239, than it consumes through a process called breeding. This involves the capture of neutrons by non-fissile isotopes, like uranium-238, which then undergo transmutation to create new fissile isotopes. The fast neutrons used in breeder reactors are more efficient for this breeding process compared to the thermal neutrons used in traditional nuclear reactors. By producing more fissile material than it uses, a breeder reactor can potentially provide a virtually limitless supply of nuclear fuel, making it a promising technology for the long-term sustainability of nuclear energy.
• Describe the role of fast neutrons in the operation of a breeder reactor.
  • Fast neutrons play a crucial role in the operation of a breeder reactor. Unlike traditional nuclear reactors that use thermal neutrons, breeder reactors rely on fast neutrons to sustain the fission chain reaction. This is because fast neutrons are more efficient for the breeding process, where non-fissile isotopes like uranium-238 capture neutrons and undergo transmutation to create new fissile isotopes like plutonium-239. The use of fast neutrons allows breeder reactors to produce more fissile material than they consume, making them a potential solution for the long-term sustainability of nuclear energy.
• Discuss the potential challenges and concerns associated with the development of breeder reactor technology.
  • One of the key challenges with breeder reactor technology is the potential for the production of weapons-grade plutonium, which has raised concerns about nuclear proliferation. Breeder reactors are designed to produce more fissile material than they consume, and this includes the creation of plutonium-239, which can be used in nuclear weapons. This has led to stringent safeguards and security measures being required for the development and operation of breeder reactors, as well as ongoing debates about the balance between the potential benefits of breeder reactor technology for sustainable nuclear energy and the risks associated with the production of weapons-grade materials. Additionally, the technical complexity and high costs of breeder reactor development have been significant barriers to their widespread adoption.

Related terms

Transmutation: The process of transforming one element into another through nuclear reactions, such as the conversion of non-fissile isotopes into fissile isotopes in a breeder reactor.

Fast Neutron Reactor: A type of nuclear reactor that uses fast neutrons to sustain the fission chain reaction, which is a key feature of breeder reactors that allows for the efficient breeding of new fissile material.

Plutonium-239: A fissile isotope of plutonium that can be produced in breeder reactors through the capture of neutrons by uranium-238, making it a valuable fuel source for nuclear energy.