ESTIMATION OF 92U232 AND 92U233 IN THORIUM OXIDE BLANKET OF PROTOTYPE FAST BREEDER REACTOR
The main focus of Indian nuclear power program is utilization of vast thorium reserves to ensure energy security for the country. The goal is to be partly realized in its 2nd stage of this programme with LMFBRs (Liquid Metal Fast Breeder Reactor) using ThO2 blankets to breed 233U. Fast spectrum of FBRs (Fast Breeder Reactor) produces small amount of 232U besides producing 233U. The former being a strong gamma emitter with substantial half life makes fuel fabrication complicated and expensive. In the present study investigations are carried out to restrict the production of 232U within acceptable limits and at the same time enhancing the production of 233U. Fluxes were estimated with reflectors and blanket combinations in PFBR (Prototype Fast Breeder Reactor) using 1-dimensional transport code ANISN. Possible routes for production of 232U and 233U form ThO2 were considered in this analysis to estimate evolution of these isotopes with irradiation.