Fusion torch
Encyclopedia
A fusion torch is a concept for utilizing the high-temperature plasma of a fusion reactor
to break apart other materials (especially waste materials) and convert them into a few reusable and saleable elements. It was invented in 1968 by Bernard J. Eastlund and William C. Gough while they were program managers of the controlled thermonuclear research program of the United States Atomic Energy Commission
(AEC). The basic concept was to impinge the plasma leaking from fusion reactors onto solids or liquids, vaporizing, dissociating and ionizing the materials, then separating the resulting elements into separate bins for collection. Other applications of fusion plasmas such as generation of UV and optical light, and generation of hydrogen fuel, were also described in their associated 1969 paper.
In the paper Eastlund and Gough defined three traps that could hamper the advancement of mankind:
They stated, referring to entropy:
In terms of energy needs they estimated the following:
They also speculated that the fusion torch concept would be useful for the separation of uranium from reactor fuel element material.
Fusion power
Fusion power is the power generated by nuclear fusion processes. In fusion reactions two light atomic nuclei fuse together to form a heavier nucleus . In doing so they release a comparatively large amount of energy arising from the binding energy due to the strong nuclear force which is manifested...
to break apart other materials (especially waste materials) and convert them into a few reusable and saleable elements. It was invented in 1968 by Bernard J. Eastlund and William C. Gough while they were program managers of the controlled thermonuclear research program of the United States Atomic Energy Commission
United States Atomic Energy Commission
The United States Atomic Energy Commission was an agency of the United States government established after World War II by Congress to foster and control the peace time development of atomic science and technology. President Harry S...
(AEC). The basic concept was to impinge the plasma leaking from fusion reactors onto solids or liquids, vaporizing, dissociating and ionizing the materials, then separating the resulting elements into separate bins for collection. Other applications of fusion plasmas such as generation of UV and optical light, and generation of hydrogen fuel, were also described in their associated 1969 paper.
In the paper Eastlund and Gough defined three traps that could hamper the advancement of mankind:
- Population (food)
- Entropy (resources, energy, pollution)
- War (human needs and behavior)
They stated, referring to entropy:
In terms of energy needs they estimated the following:
They also speculated that the fusion torch concept would be useful for the separation of uranium from reactor fuel element material.
Sources
- "The Fusion Torch - Closing the Cycle from Use to Reuse" by Bernard J. Eastlund and William C. Gough, USAEC Report Wash 1132, May 15, 1969
- Eastlund Scientific Enterprises Corporation website