  For r-process nucleosynthesis the beta decay rates of very neutron-rich
nuclei are important ingredients. We consider the region around the neutron
number N=82 and calculate the half-lives and rates for a number of nuclei.
Forms for beta strength functions based on spectral distribution methods are
used. The calculated half-lives are first compared to the observed values and
then predictions are made for very neutron-rich nuclei close to drip line for
which no experimental values are available.
