Critical evaluation of high-temperature gas-cooled reactors applicable to coal conversion

Technical Report · Mon Dec 01 04:00:00 EST 1975

DOI:https://doi.org/10.2172/7364674· OSTI ID:7364674

Spiewak, I.; Jones, Jr., J. E.; Rittenhouse, P. L.; DeStefano, J. R.; Delene, J. G.

A critical review is presented of the technology and costs of very high-temperature gas-cooled reactors (VHTRs) applicable to nuclear coal conversion. Coal conversion processes suitable for coupling to reactors are described. Vendor concepts of the VHTR are summarized. The materials requirements as a function of process temperature in the range 1400 to 2000/sup 0/F are analyzed. Components, environmental and safety factors, economics and nuclear fuel cycles are reviewed. It is concluded that process heat supply in the range 1400 to 1500/sup 0/F could be developed with a high degree of assurance. Process heat at 1600/sup 0/F would require considerably more materials development. While temperatures up to 2000/sup 0/F appear to be attainable, considerably more research and risk were involved. A demonstration plant would be required as a step in the commercialization of the VHTR.

• Research Organization: Oak Ridge National Lab., Tenn. (USA)
• DOE Contract Number: W-7405-ENG-26
• OSTI ID: 7364674
• Report Number(s): ORNL/TM-5261
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

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Graphite Moderated
210900* -- Nuclear Power Plants-- Process Heat Reactors-- (-1987)
COAL GASIFICATION
COST
ECONOMICS
GAS COOLED REACTORS
GASIFICATION
GRAPHITE MODERATED REACTORS
HTGR TYPE REACTORS
PLANNING
PROCESS HEAT REACTORS
REACTOR COMPONENTS
REACTOR CORES
REACTORS
SPECIFICATIONS
VERY HIGH TEMPERATURE