Final deactivation of FFTF to begin
Washington (Platts)--28Apr2005
Fast Flux Test Facility (FFTF) supporters denounced DOE's plans to start draining tomorrow the last of the sodium coolant from the FFTF. The final deactivation of the reactor will prevent it from future operations. FFTF supporters had wanted to privatize the FFTF for production of medical isotopes and possibly other uses. The reactor was in standby condition from 1992 until April 2003, when liquid sodium was removed from the secondary loops. FFTF boosters blamed DOE for putting the reactor on "death row" for 15 years because of "cost-benefit market economics." Supporters said the government found there was no "mission" because the U.S. "did not have an advanced nuclear program or fusion program, whose materials and fuels the reactor was designed to test."
Copyright © 2005 - Platts
Please visit: www.platts.com
Their coverage of energy matters is extensive!!.