Coolant choice for SP-100 ground engineering system test reactor secondary system
The SP-100 ground engineering system (GES) reactor test is a demonstration of a nuclear reactor for use as a power source for space-based advanced communications, radar, etc. The GES is to provide as a close a duplication of the flight system of the reactor as is practicable. The electrical power conversion system is not to be tested, however; consequently the heat from the reactor must be rejected to the environment. The reactor primary system will operate at temperatures as high as 1375 K (1102/sup 0/C) and /sup 7/Li used as coolant to minimize tritium production and maximize heat transfer capability. To permit use of existing heat rejection modules and maximum use of conventional materials, temperatures in the secondary system are restricted to 900 K (627/sup 0/C). The GES is to have a lifetime of at least 2 yr, with longer lifetime desirable. Two fundamental choices were required early in the design of GES: the selection of the secondary heat transfer fluid and whether or not a tertiary system would be required. Analysis showed that either sodium or lithium would reject the required 8 MW of heat to air with ample margin using existing equipment. It was necessary to consider activation and shielding, tritium control, corrosion/mass transfer, and safety factors in reaching the final decision. The effort can be summarized as follows: 1. Sodium is the recommended choice for secondary fluid in the GES. 2. A tertiary loop is not required. 3. Most situations can be resolved through existing technology; some development work is required for confirmation.
- Research Organization:
- Westinghouse Hanford, Richland, WA
- OSTI ID:
- 6744499
- Report Number(s):
- CONF-861102-
- Journal Information:
- Trans. Am. Nucl. Soc.; (United States), Vol. 53; Conference: American Nuclear Society and Atomic Industrial Forum joint meeting, Washington, DC, USA, 16 Nov 1986
- Country of Publication:
- United States
- Language:
- English
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SECONDARY COOLANT CIRCUITS
SODIUM
SPACE POWER REACTORS
DESIGN
HEAT EXCHANGERS
LITHIUM 7
PRIMARY COOLANT CIRCUITS
REACTOR COOLING SYSTEMS
SHIELDING
ALKALI METAL ISOTOPES
ALKALI METALS
COOLING SYSTEMS
ELEMENTS
ENERGY SYSTEMS
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LIGHT NUCLEI
LITHIUM ISOTOPES
METALS
MOBILE REACTORS
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ODD-EVEN NUCLEI
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NESDPS Office of Nuclear Energy Space and Defense Power Systems
210600* - Power Reactors
Auxiliary
Mobile Package
& Transportable