To change the subject - slightly... Anybody read the Wired Mag article (Sept
2004, p158) about "pebble-bed" nuclear reactors?  They're claimed to be
"intrinisically safe".  Thermal energy transfer to generators is via Helium
gas. If all the Helium leaks out, reactor temp goes up a bit then cools down
because of some thermal expansion effect with the fuel which are billiard
ball size graphite balls with silicon carbide coated fuel "specks" packed
inside each one.  They claim they've actually done this test and it is true.
Depleted fuel balls "can go straight into lead-lined steel bins in the
basement."  Anyway, good article - is it TRUE?
Carey Fisher


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