Free Republic
Browse · Search
News/Activism
Topics · Post Article

To: RinaseaofDs

Deuterium and tritium are both forms of hydrogen. Tritium is radioactive, however, and using it in a reactor will spread the radiation to other components. The “different fuel” mentioned is probably helium-3, which can be used in place of tritium and is non-radioactive. The problem is that it’s extremely rare and can’t be made artificially like tritium can. The movie “Moon” was about harvesting helium-3 from the moon because there’s more of it there.


31 posted on 10/15/2014 11:09:18 AM PDT by Telepathic Intruder (The only thing the Left has learned from the failures of socialism is not to call it that)
[ Post Reply | Private Reply | To 4 | View Replies ]


To: Telepathic Intruder

Tritium decay is beta - no big deal. It’s the neutrons from fusion that will make the reactor vessel radioactive, if this works. Still, after a 30 year life, one radioactive reactor vessel is not much of a price to pay for all that energy.

Note: If true (a HUGE “if”), this will change the world’s economy and eliminate OPEC’s power.


61 posted on 10/15/2014 11:40:28 AM PDT by Pollster1 ("Shall not be infringed" is unambiguous.)
[ Post Reply | Private Reply | To 31 | View Replies ]

Free Republic
Browse · Search
News/Activism
Topics · Post Article


FreeRepublic, LLC, PO BOX 9771, FRESNO, CA 93794
FreeRepublic.com is powered by software copyright 2000-2008 John Robinson