Breeder reactors: A possible connection between metal corrosion and sodium leaks

Abstract

Many countries have long pursued fast neutron breeder reactors, which create more fissile fuel than they consume, because of the expectation that the world will run out of the low-cost uranium used for fuel in most commercial nuclear power reactors. Despite billions of dollars spent on research and development, however, fast neutron reactors have proven unreliable and are frequently shut down due to leaks of their sodium coolant. Different reactors around the world have experienced this leakage problem, indicating that it may have fundamental causes, rather than being a symptom of poor manufacture or operational deficiencies. One possible cause is a series of chemical interactions between the carbon contained in the metallic components of these reactors and the sodium used to cool reactors; these interactions can cause a systemÕs metal parts to corrode, eventually leading to leaks. If true, this mechanism carries significant negative implications for the safety of these reactors and their economic viability.

Nuclear energy and biodiversity conservation: response to Brook and Bradshaw 2015

“…Liquid-metal-cooled fast reactors in France, Russia, the United States, Germany, the United Kingdom, Japan, India, and China have all suffered leaks or accidents, and many are no longer in operation (Pillai & Ramana 2015). Chemical interactions between carbon in stainless steel reactor components and the liquid sodium used as coolant may be a source of corrosion and leaks (Pillai & Ramana 2015); other problems associated with fast reactors include embrittlement, swelling of fuel cladding, and fission gas release (Walters et al 2011).…”

“…Chemical interactions between carbon in stainless steel reactor components and the liquid sodium used as coolant may be a source of corrosion and leaks (Pillai & Ramana 2015); other problems associated with fast reactors include embrittlement, swelling of fuel cladding, and fission gas release (Walters et al 2011).…”

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“…"If you have a bunch of Traveling Wave Reactors out there, you really don't have to build any more enrichment plants," said Kevan Weaver, director of technology integration at TerraPower. 5 Expert reviews, though, have also found technical problems with fast reactors, in particular sodium leaks, which, while not deadly, have made past reactors prone to shutdowns, which increases the cost of electricity produced (Pillai and Ramana 2014). And though liquid sodium has some safety advantages as a coolant, it also reacts violently with water and burns if exposed to air; liquid-sodium-cooled fast reactors have been shut down for long periods by sodium fires (Cochran et al 2010).…”