BN-1200 approved for Beloyarsk

[speedy]

Russia is holding on to their lead in large SFRs with the approval on a BN-1200 for Beloyarsk-5.
www.world-nuclear-news.org/NN-Large_fast_reactor_approved_for_Beloyarsk-2706124.html

The technical design of the BN-1200 is scheduled for completion by 2013, while the manufacture of equipment will start in 2014. Construction of the Beloyarsk unit is set to begin in 2015.

According to the Sverdlovsk department of energy and housing, the BN-1200 reactor would be built to replace the existing smaller BN-600 reactor at unit 3 of the Beloyarsk plant. That unit, which began operating in 1981, is scheduled to be decommissioned by 2020, it said. A BN-800 reactor is currently under construction as the fourth unit at Beloyarsk, which is expected to enter commercial operation in 2015.

[David B. Benson]

The article states that the BN series reactors use Mox. I fail to understand how this is a fast reactor.

[Nick P.]

Jun 28, 2012 13:41:22 GMT 9.5 David B. Benson said:

The article states that the BN series reactors use Mox. I fail to understand how this is a fast reactor.

What do you mean? Fast reactors can use mixed oxide fuels.

I don't see the point of it personally as my understanding of it is that it only makes reprocessing more difficult.

[David Walters]

Fast Reactors can use almost any fuel. MOX is only a problem for reprocessing in LWRs, not FRs which by definition, have super high burn up rates, especially of antinides, the nasty stuff in LWR created MOX SNF.

D.

[anonposter]

Jun 28, 2012 13:41:22 GMT 9.5 David B. Benson said:

The article states that the BN series reactors use Mox. I fail to understand how this is a fast reactor.

It doesn't have a moderator to slow the neutrons down. Whether or not it's a fast reactor depends on the neutron spectrum, not the fuel composition.

[grlcowan]

Jun 29, 2012 2:54:16 GMT 9.5 @David Walters said:

... MOX is only a problem for reprocessing in LWRs, not FRs which by definition, have super high burn up rates, especially of antinides, the nasty stuff in LWR created MOX SNF.

D.

MOX, mixed oxide fuel, are a problem to reprocess no matter what sort of reactor they are from. Fast neutrons can indeed burn out the
actinides -- not antinides -- more effectively than slow neutrons can, but they can't burn out the oxygen.

[David B. Benson]

I understand a bit better now. My thanks to the responders.

Why is the oxygen any sort of problem?