Possible Applications of Modern Aqueous Homogeneous Reactors

Abstract

This chapter describes the potential of the aqueous homogeneous reactor, briefing readers on the physics and history of the subject, whilst providing both current and possible future applications for this reactor technology. These reactors were some of the first nuclear reactors ever constructed, and provided valuable information on critical mass and other nuclear physical properties on fissile solutions. The compact nature of these reactors, combined with their inherent safety characteristics, have made them attractive for the generation of medical radioisotopes and neutrons for experimentation. However, material corrosion issues and advanced development of solid-fuelled light water reactors would curtail much interest in the technology in the 50’s. Although operating temperatures of this type of reactor are usually low, even such low temperature heat is useful in process and industry; such a reactor can be used for environmentally-friendly district heating or the supply of process heat in industry, and could even be used to produce hydrogen. With modern advances in physics and chemistry, and disruptions in conventional energy sources; such reactors in their modern form may serve an important role: supplying various energy demands that could be derived from nuclear power, but may not require more advanced and costly reactor technologies.