RICHARD A DONCALS
Real Estate Commission in Washington

4851182, Jul 25, 1989

Sep 16, 1987

7/097239

Richard A. Doncals - Washington PA
Sandra V. Andre - Hempfield Township, Westmoreland County PA
Charles A. Porter - Rostraver Township, Westmoreland County PA
Roy W. Rathbun - Greensburg PA
Ambrose L. Schwallie - Greensburg PA
Diane S. Petras - Penn Township, Westmoreland County PA

The Unites States of America as represented by the United States
Department of Energy - Washington DC

G21C 1900

376267

Demand for refueling of a liquid metal fast nuclear reactor having a life of 30 years is eliminated or reduced to intervals of at least 10 years by operating the reactor at a low linear-power density, typically 2. 5 kw/ft of fuel rod, rather than 7. 5 or 15 kw/ft, which is the prior art practice. So that power of the same magnitude as for prior art reactors is produced, the volume of the core is increased. In addition, the height of the core and it diameter are dimensioned so that the ratio of the height to the diameter approximates 1 to the extent practicable considering the requirement of control and that the pressure drop in the coolant shall not be excessive. The surface area of a cylinder of given volume is a minimum if the ratio of the height to the diameter is 1. By minimizing the surface area, the leakage of neutrons is reduced. By reducing the linear-power density, increasing core volume, reducing fissile enrichment and optimizing core geometry, internal-core breeding of fissionable fuel is substantially enhanced.