THORIUM REACTORS
Lachlan Milligan
Contents Page
Page 1: Contents page
Page 2-4: Explain the function of a modern nuclear power device and its process
Page 4: How is the process currently being used to further scientific understanding
Page 5: History and development
Page 6: Graphic Timeline
Page 7: Nuclear equation and energy calculations
Page 8-9: References and bibliography
Part 1: Explain the function of a modern nuclear power device and process
The Liquid Fluoride Thorium Reactor (LFTR) is a type of molten salt reactor which will generate electrical power through nuclear fission. LFTR’s are a hypothetical and innovative solution to the future of power production which are a viable replacement of the current flawed uranium reactors.
Using LFRS’s as a nuclear energy source poses a number of advantages for the long run and short term. Many countries such as China and India are currently heading towards LFTR’s as a main source of energy. The LFTR offers unparalleled safety features in contrast to other conventional nuclear reactors, ensuring that incidents such as Fukushima will never occur again. Thorium, which is the element used to fuel LFTR’s, is three times more abundant than uranium (World Nuclear, 2015). LFTR waste is also less biologically harmful as it emits alpha particles compared to conventional uranium reactors which emits gamma particles. The radiotoxicity of waste across nuclear power production methods can be seen in
On contrast, opponents hold different conceptions, they do not regard nuclear energy as a green and clean source of energy. According to Ross(2007), a news director for the National Urban League, fuel rods at every nuclear plant leak radioactive and harmful gases to atmosphere, and it is collectively releasing millions of curies annually. As a matter of fact, the essential raw material for nuclear nuclear power is uranium, which is a dangerous radioactive element. Opponents also claims that uranium tailing which is byproduct of the procession of getting energy are being inappropriately disposed, which make the situation even worse. On the other hand, after the tragedies of nuclear energy in Chernobyl, three mile island and other district, some people have become more and more impregnable to believe the nuclear energy is dangerous. Dr.
Nuclear energy was likewise discovered to be useful in naval tactics and in sourcing electricity. As technology has significantly advanced and knowledge has expanded beyond measures, the realm of nuclear engineering has indeed achieved scientific milestones. In practice of modern times, nuclear energy is manufactured within power plants, capable of supporting an outstanding amount of electricity (World Nuclear Association). However, this limited method of energy production is thought to be dangerous. Nuclear engineering is certainly one complex subject and is foreign to the majority of the world population. Within a nuclear power plant, reactors are employed to force uranium ions to undergo the process of nuclear fission; nuclear fission is the separation of atoms, the smallest unit of matter. This splitting of uranium ions releases energy, thus, producing usable heat. Heat is crucial to not only nuclear energy production; rather, heat is necessary in all power plants. Such will then become the steam that gyrates turbines. These turbines are coupled with electromagnets which, finally, yield electricity (How Nuclear Reactors Work). One foremost flaw of nuclear power is the consequential radioactive waste that must be monitored for a long while following disposal. Nevertheless, as resources upon this planet are surely depleting, original forms of energy production are mandatory. In consideration of such, nuclear power plants have proved to be both efficient
Today, as much as we know about nuclear power is one of the most powerful and fresh energy, compared to any carbon dioxide producing fuels like coal or oil. It is a very cost effective “cheap” source, but with a major downside. Obtaining it is a rather complex chemical procedure, and the outcome is not only precious power, but also hazardous waste. This
Nuclear reactors are designed to maintain a chain reaction engendering a steady fold of neutrons engendered by the fission of heftily ponderous nuclei. They are differentiated either by their purport or by their design features. The two types of reactors are research reactors, and power reactors. Research reactors are operated at universities and research centers in many countries, even those where no nuclear
Power harvested from radioisotopes is a promising and dangerous field of potential. We can see evidence of the promise of it all over the planet with essentially zero carbon emissions. We can also see the danger of it with 3-Mile Island. To an even greater extent, we can see the horror and tragedy of Chernobyl, with the clearing of an entire city. It is a powerful possibility that the human race must harness responsibly and the the aide of our society.
Throughout the time of nuclear power, scientist have been debating whether or not it was worth the risk for nuclear power. Most people agree that “[it has] the capacity to turn the earth into a desert or make the desert bloom” (4). Nuclear power is ideal in terms that it is efficient and cost effective, but it also has some downfalls. The process creates a lot of nuclear waste that is highly radioactive without a good place of disposing it, not to mention the inherently dangerous risks involved with nuclear power plants, such as explosions.
There are many reasons why I could be a nuclear engineer. First, nuclear engineers get a lot of money. In addition, they use math and science a lot. Lastly, creativity is a main aspect of doing this job. It seems that this this would be a great job for me.
Nuclear energy has been successful in decreasing the pollution created by energy production. Energy production takes a tremendous toll on our environment, from the industrialization of western countries such as America and Britain, to the extreme pollution being expelled by China today, the amount of carbon being released is extremely harmful. Nuclear energy produces virtually no carbon emissions . This alternative provides a safe and environmentally friendly method for energy production that hasn’t yet been utilized. Nuclear- generated
Materials such as used nuclear reactor fuel assemblies, contaminated clothing or tools, and isotopes used in nuclear medicine are some examples of nuclear waste that may be transported in a cask. Some advises and safety precautions done when transporting spent fuel rods and other nuclear wastes is by using appropriate materials to prevent leakage and other accidents.
Nuclear power is by no means a new technology, in fact research began in 1895 when Wilhelm Rontgen discovered ionising radiation (World Nuclear Association, 2014). Research progressed through different phases, firstly focussed on the development of the atomic bomb and then onto controlled use of nuclear power for ship propulsion and the production of energy by way of nuclear power plants (World Nuclear Association, 2014). There was a period of stagnation in technological development regarding nuclear power until recently, with scientists now again looking into molten salt reactors (MSR’s) as an innovative way to increase safety while also making nuclear reactors more economically viable and greener (Freed, 2014). This essay will provide a brief history of nuclear energy, as well as looking at the role nuclear power could play in future energy production, whilst also looking at societal implications of this controversial technology. It will also look at potential progress traps and progress experiments if this technology was to be pursued.
The hazardous radioactive nuclear waste stockpiles, created over several decades due to the expansion of nuclear industry in the domains of power generation, science, industry, military and medical fields, is an intensified global concern today. There are several categories of nuclear waste and the most unfavorable are the intermediate level and the high level nuclear leftovers because of their radioactivity (International Atomic Energy Agency(IAEA) 2013, p.9). The majority of this highly radioactive waste is produced in nuclear power generation as spent fuel in nuclear reactors. According to International Atomic Energy Agency there are 30 countries, operate 449 nuclear reactors for power generations and another 60 nuclear power plants
The radioisotopes found in the nuclear wastes have a long life. This means that they may stay in the atmosphere in some ways or the other. In essence, this makes the soil and water to be contaminated. The mixed wastes cause chemical reactions and may lead to dangerous complications. The wastes are usually buried deep in the earth surface. However, the residues can be used to make deadly weapons of mass destruction. As much as nuclear energy is environmentally friendly, it is still prone to accidents. Some measures have been put in place to prevent accidents. However, the risk of more recent Fukushima has ben an associate to nuclear energy. Smaller radiations can leak and may have devastating effects. The symptoms are inclusive of vomiting, nausea, diarrhea and fatigue. On one way, it may solve the energy problems but we must be careful not to solve one problem and create another problem (Durrani &
Since the dawn of the science of atomic radiation, atomic change, and nuclear fission in 1895, humanity has become well acquainted with nuclear energy. There are countless achievements in the fields of science related to nuclear energy, such as the first working nuclear reactor, built in 1941, by Enrico Fermi, underneath a football stadium. In 1955, nuclear reactor BORAX-III provided an entire city with all of its energy needs after a disconnection of power lines from a nearby coal plant. Regardless of such great accomplishments, many people associate nuclear energy with arguably the four worst nuclear tragedies of all time; Chernobyl,
The use of nuclear energy is a big topic for debate. Many countries have fully embraced it while others, such as the U. S., haven’t. Nuclear energy is feared for its danger and scorned because of its wastes. On the other hand, nuclear energy does have some pros like cheaper cost of energy and environmentally safe. Reactor breeders show great promise in nuclear waste, but are it enough to convince the nation?
Nuclear technology has been around for approximately a century and has provided a multitude of benefits that continuously make the world a better place. Nuclear power plants, for one, are a relatively safe and clean alternative to today 's most commonly used coal and gas plants. Other applications of Nuclear technology in pesticides and fertilizer could theoretically multiply agricultural production by inconceivable numbers. Nuclear technology could also be used in medicine to treat and diagnose illnesses such as cancer. Despite its positive implications, nuclear technology could potentially cause harm to ecosystems in the form of radiation. Regardless of this trivial danger, nuclear technology is truly great and has always been so since the day it was first discovered.