Breeder Reactor

Definition

A breeder reactor is a type of nuclear reactor that generates more fissile material than it consumes, producing more fuel than it uses. This is achieved through the breeding of fissile material, such as plutonium-239, from non-fissile isotopes like uranium-238.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Breeder reactors are designed to produce more fissile material, such as plutonium-239, than they consume, allowing for a more efficient use of nuclear fuel resources.
2. The breeding process in a breeder reactor involves the capture of neutrons by fertile materials, such as uranium-238, which are then converted into fissile materials like plutonium-239.
3. Breeder reactors typically use a fast neutron spectrum, which is achieved by using a coolant that does not moderate the neutrons, such as liquid sodium.
4. The high-energy neutrons in a breeder reactor allow for the efficient conversion of fertile materials into fissile materials, leading to a higher fuel utilization compared to conventional reactors.
5. Breeder reactors have the potential to extend the lifetime of nuclear fuel resources by several orders of magnitude, making them an attractive option for long-term energy production.

Review Questions

• Explain the concept of a breeder reactor and how it differs from a conventional nuclear reactor.
  • A breeder reactor is a type of nuclear reactor that is designed to generate more fissile material than it consumes, through the breeding process. This is achieved by using a fast neutron spectrum and the capture of neutrons by fertile materials, such as uranium-238, to produce fissile materials like plutonium-239. This process allows for a more efficient utilization of nuclear fuel resources compared to conventional reactors, which do not have the same breeding capability.
• Describe the role of fast neutrons and fertile materials in the operation of a breeder reactor.
  • In a breeder reactor, fast neutrons play a crucial role in the breeding process. The high-energy fast neutrons are able to efficiently convert fertile materials, such as uranium-238, into fissile materials like plutonium-239 through neutron capture and subsequent nuclear reactions. This breeding process is central to the operation of a breeder reactor, as it allows for the generation of more fissile material than is consumed during the reactor's operation. The use of fast neutrons and the presence of fertile materials are essential for this enhanced fuel utilization that distinguishes breeder reactors from conventional nuclear reactors.
• Discuss the potential benefits and challenges associated with the implementation of breeder reactor technology for long-term nuclear energy production.
  • The primary benefit of breeder reactor technology is its potential to significantly extend the lifetime of nuclear fuel resources by generating more fissile material than it consumes. This could make nuclear power a more sustainable energy source in the long term, as it would reduce the need for uranium enrichment and the mining of new fuel sources. However, the implementation of breeder reactors also presents several challenges, such as the need for specialized reactor designs, the handling of highly radioactive materials, and the potential proliferation risks associated with the production of plutonium. Additionally, the development and deployment of breeder reactor technology has historically faced economic and technological hurdles that have limited its widespread adoption. Addressing these challenges will be crucial for the successful integration of breeder reactors into the global energy landscape.

Related terms

Fast Neutron Reactor: A type of nuclear reactor that uses fast neutrons to sustain the chain reaction, as opposed to thermal neutrons used in conventional reactors.

Fertile Material: Nuclear materials that are not fissile but can be converted into fissile materials through neutron capture, such as uranium-238 or thorium-232.

Fuel Cycle: The series of steps involved in supplying fuel for nuclear power reactors, including mining, enrichment, fabrication, use in a reactor, and disposal or reprocessing.