Fast Reactors and Accelerator Driven Systems Knowledge Base

Conference Article: Thorium fuel for LWRs and innovative concepts: State of the art at the CEA/DRN

Porta, J.; Baldi, S. (CE Cadarache, Saint Paul lez Durance (France)); Puill, A. (CE Saclay, Gif sur Yvette (France)); Huet, F. (CE Grenoble (France))

Abstract

This paper briefly summarizes the state of the art on the study of thorium at the CEA and its projected use in pressurized water reactors. The advantages and drawbacks of thorium for the nuclear cycle are examined. Studies carried out in France are reviewed, major findings are recalled and possible future orientations for inert matrix fuels are presented.

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key words: burnup; cea cadarache; compiled data; fabrication; fuel fabrication plants; isotope ratio; reactor kinetics; research programs; thorium cycle; thorium reserves; water cooled reactors
Reference:
Proceedings of three IAEA meetings held in Vienna in 1997, 1998 and 1999
International Atomic Energy Agency, Vienna (Austria)
IAEA-TECDOC--1319, pp:266-279