METALLURGICAL CONSIDERATIONS ON A BREEDING REACTOR WITH LIQUID THORIUM ALLOY

The necessity of breeding reactors in order to utilize, for the most part, the resources of Brazil in nuclear fuel is discussed. The advantages of moving or circulating fuels are explained. Sketches of the fertile zone and the reactor core are given for a reactor for the production of U/sup 233/ from Th, fueled by Pu. It is proposed that this reactor be run in conjunction with another reactor fueled with U/sup 233/ that produces Pu. It is shown that with the use of a fused Pu alloy driven by liquid Na in an exterior ring the fission products can be removed, so that the greater part of the fuel can be used without reprocessing. (tr-auth)