A new reactor concept without uranium or thorium for burning weapons-grade plutonium

A concept has been developed for a low-temperature, low-pressure, low-power density, and low coolant flow rate light water reactor (LWR) that destroys plutonium quickly without using uranium or thorium. This concept is very safe and could be designed, constructed, and operated in a reasonable time frame. The purpose of this paper is to present this new concept. The National Academy of Sciences (NAS) requested that the Idaho National Engineering Laboratory (INEL) examine concepts that focus only on the main goal: the most rapid possible destruction of 50 000 kg of weapons-grade plutonium. The INEL concept does not produce electricity. Not considering other missions frees the design from the paradigms and constraints used by proponents of other disposition concepts. The plutonium destruction design goal is most easily achievable with a large, moderate power reactor that operates at a significantly lower thermal power density than is appropriate for reactors with multiple design goals.