COMPARATIVE STUDY OF H$sub 2$O AND D$sub 2$O AS MODERATORS FOR HETEROGENEOUS PRESSURIZED REACTORS FOR PRODUCTION OF PLUTONIUM AND USEFUL POWER

Abstract

An attempt is made to compare the relative merits of light and heavy water as moderating materials for pressurized, uranium-fueled reactors which operate at temperatures high enough to enable useful power to be generated. Because of the inherent need for pressurization with water moderated reactors, in which the moderator operates above its atmospheric saturation temperature, and because of the engineering limitations which exist on the size of pressure vessels, the comparison between these materials is made on the basis of the same reactor volume. In other words, within a given pressure vessel, which moderator (H/sub 2/O or D/sub 2/O) will allow plutonium to be produced more economically (and therefore can be considered as the better moderator for this type of reactor)? The actual size and shape of the pressure vessel, however, remain as variables. The enrichment is also a variable and, further no strategic value is placed on the use of natural uranium fuel per se. The costs associated with each of these two reactor systems are compared, and it is concluded that, under these conditions (i.e., limitation to same reactor volume and no premium on natural uranium fuel), light water always produces the more economical product. (auth)